Table.Briefings

Feature

Shenzhen sparks debate on assisted dying

As the first Chinese city, Shenzhen has passed a law on living wills. It gives terminally ill patients more choice for a dignified death. The new regulation is a huge step. It also triggers a public debate about assisted dying.

By Ning Wang

Large private companies grow faster than the public sector

The government crackdown on privately owned companies and industries cannot stop the advance of China's private sector, a study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) shows. On the contrary, China's largest private companies are growing faster than their state-owned counterparts. However, the influence exerted by party cells within private companies is problematic.

By Frank Sieren

Rapprochement between China and EU at trade dialogue

After a break of almost two years and a disastrous summit in April, Brussels and Beijing are once again talking about trade issues in a separate format – and apparently quite constructively. Things are also moving at other diplomatic levels. However, not necessarily to China's liking.

By Amelie Richter

€500 million for the defense of the EU

Military equipment and ammunition stocks need to be replenished across Europe: Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, member states have sent many weapons to Ukraine. Now, more howitzers, ammunition, anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles need to be purchased – and quickly.

By Ella Joyner

Protest Immobilien-Käufer China

Real estate buyers up in arms

Because their apartments are not being completed, tens of thousands of buyers threaten to stop paying their mortgages. The government is on high alert. Will the real estate crisis escalate?

By Jörn Petring

Rapprochement at trade dialogue

After a break of almost two years and a disastrous summit in April, Brussels and Beijing are once again talking about trade issues in a separate format – and apparently quite constructively. Things are also moving at other diplomatic levels. However, not necessarily to China's liking.

By Amelie Richter

Expansion-of-charging-capacity

Charging infrastructure expansion: one step away from agreement

To ensure that the transition to a greener transport system can succeed, the 27 EU member states must expand their charging infrastructure as quickly and extensively as possible. While the Commission and the Council have already defined their positions for the expansion, negotiations in the Parliament have so far stalled. Now, there are far-reaching compromises. However, "a few thick boards" still need to be drilled.

By Lukas Knigge

Azerbaijan to double gas imports to EU

Gas imports from the South Caucasus are intended to reduce the EU's dependence on Russia. But Gazprom is trying to disrupt the Union's political rescue attempts with ever new maneuvers.

By Manuel Berkel

Hongkong Bildung

Education in Hong Kong: only patriots

The Chinese central government is warning the new government not to underestimate political dissent in Hong Kong. The movement is not dead. The city is reforming its education system in an effort to clamp down on the democratic opposition in the long term. In the future, civics will be an exam subject, in which the importance of national security will become a central part of the curriculum.

By Marcel Grzanna