Emmanuel Macron complied with Xi Jinping's wish and announced that Europe would not be a "follower" of either the US or China on Taiwan, which was celebrated by the state media. Simultaneously, the People's Liberation Army launched a fierce drill: It rehearsed encircling Taiwan and engaging targets on the island.
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EU Commission President von der Leyen and French President Macron had hoped to pit President Xi Jinping against Putin with their visit to China. It was a bold strategy: Macron flattered Xi, the EU Commission President was critical. Journalist and geopolitical expert Alexander Goerlach considers the strategy a failure.
By Felix Lee
One visit, two styles: Macron and Xi woo each other. Von der Leyen seems less charming in comparison, but instead comes across as open and direct. The Head of the European Commission maintains the critical tone of her keynote speech during the visit to Beijing. However, Xi does not begrudge the two Europeans any public successes regarding discussions on Ukraine.
By Amelie Richter
One visit, two styles: Macron and Xi woo each other. Von der Leyen seems less charming in comparison, but instead comes across as open and direct. The Head of the European Commission maintains the critical tone of her keynote speech during the visit to Beijing. However, Xi does not begrudge the two Europeans any public successes regarding discussions on Ukraine.
By Amelie Richter
The World Bank announces big green plans: Ending fossil fuel financing, new reporting methods for the transition, more money for the climate and "Paris compliance" for its own business. But critics find transparency lacking and question the departure from fossil energy.
By Alexandra Endres
Without the use of new, digital technologies, the EU's sustainability goals in agriculture will be virtually impossible to achieve, say experts. But the changeover is complex, expensive and needs the right political framework – this calls for action in Brussels and Berlin.
By Timo Landenberger
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are to be better able to respond to the climate crisis and other challenges in the future. But how their reform is supposed to look in practice is disputed. An overview of the proposals:
By Bernhard Pötter
The leadership and state media in China are keeping a conspicuous low profile ahead of the talks between Head of State Xi and the European visitors Macron and von der Leyen. Despite the Commission President's critical stance, Beijing wants to show understanding – after all, Washington has a firm grip on the EU.
By Redaktion Table
Global climate action, adaptation and the repair of climate damage requires a lot of money. A reform of the global financial structure is intended to mobilize the financial resources. The upcoming annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF will discuss this, but different interests are involved.
By Bernhard Pötter
The meeting between Tsai Ing-wen and Kevin McCarthy initially went off without any military show of force by China. Although marked as an unofficial visit, Taiwan's president made it clear in California that she perfectly mastered the balancing act between the rival great powers at the end of her term.
By Fabian Peltsch
