Table.Briefings

Feature

Does Manfred Weber receive a double salary?

The chairmanship of a European party family has so far been an honorary position. That is the case if the party leader also sits in the European Parliament and is, therefore, financially secure. Under Manfred Weber, who recently became party and group leader of the EPP, things could now change.

By Markus Grabitz

Zero-Tolerance-Sun

Ahead of CP Congress: Xi cleans up security apparatus

Xi Jinping eliminates several former security chiefs by sending them to prison. In this way, they become a cautionary tale for anyone who questions his power. He has seen the last remaining threats to his position in the inner circle of the police ministry. He wants to bring the apparatus completely under control by the time of the CP Congress.

By

Wang Yi Vereinte Nationen Russland

Loyalty to Russia crumbles

In his campaign against Ukraine, Russia's President Putin can now apparently no longer rely on China's support. After the partial mobilization, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges Moscow to find a swift solution at the negotiating table. Beijing has made it clear that it has no interest in extending the conflict.

By Felix Lee

Energy crisis: Commission plans new proposals

Even before the emergency meeting of energy ministers on September 30, the EU Commission intends to propose new measures to calm the electricity and gas markets. Meanwhile, Poland is preparing its own law for lower electricity prices.

By Manuel Berkel

Social Taxonomy: Was that it?

The EU Commission actually wanted to write a report on the planned Social Taxonomy by the end of the year. Its advisory body has already presented ideas, but after the heated discussion on Environmental Taxonomy, there seems to be a lack of political will – and priority.

By Leonie Düngefeld

(220920) -- NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2022 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Solomon Isla

China's growing influence in the South Pacific

After the excitement surrounding a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, things have become quiet around the Pacific state. But Beijing is using the supposed silence to expand its influence.

By Michael Radunski

Hong Kong: The Silence of the Expats

Uncertainty in Hong Kong has increased further since the new chief executive John Lee took office. Even German citizens are censoring themselves as a precaution because they are not sure where the authorities draw political red lines. The consequences are emigration and a growing shortage of skilled workers. But the city seems more concerned with spreading political mantra than economic confidence.

By Ning Wang

Chen Xu UN-Menschenrechtsrat

Intimidation in Geneva: 'They occupy the public space'

Wherever criticism of China is voiced during the 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, diplomats from the People's Republic are close. They hijack panel discussions with minute-long statements and take down the names of all opposing speakers. Through its influence on other UN bodies, the country denies accreditation to UN participants it does not want to speak out. Instead, Chinese organizations under the guise of independence increasingly claim more speaking time.

By Marcel Grzanna

India: Government presents carbon market bill

The Indian government has now officially recognized that carbon markets and emissions trading are to play an important role in decarbonization. A law to this effect is to be passed at the end of the year. Many details are still unclear, but trading could begin from mid-2023.

By Redaktion Table

South Africa: Coal phase-out costs $14 billion annually

The coal phase-out in South Africa is seen as a test case of how industrialized countries can help emerging economies with rapid and socially cushioned climate protection. A year ago, the Europeans and the USA promised the African state $8.5 billion for the Just Transition Energy Partnership. So far, costs and details have remained vague. Now South Africa has presented its price tag for the green transition.

By Bernhard Pötter