Table.Briefings

Feature

Macron and the long to-do list of the Council Presidency

From the war in Ukraine to the global minimum tax and EU reform, the French presidency still has a lot to do after President Emmanuel Macron's re-election. The European agenda is full to the brim – but it is unclear whether Macron will be able to "govern through" as usual until the end of June because the parliamentary elections in his own country will demand a lot of his attention.

By Eric Bonse

Pharma: Pressure grows continuously

The expectations that companies deal with sustainability risks are increasing. The pressure is also growing in the pharmaceutical industry. At first glance, the highly regulated industry does not need to worry too much in the so-called ESG area. However, controversies are looming, especially when it comes to social criteria.

By Eugenie Ankowitsch

Null-Covid Strategie Shanghai - Kosten

Zero Covid burdens domestic trade and logistics

Experts try to predict the economic costs of the lockdown in China. Affected municipalities have to bear high costs and suffer from production cutbacks. Zero Covid is also a logistical nightmare. And problems in the transport sector further exacerbate the situation.

By Christiane Kuehl

How Chinese feel about their studies in Germany

Chinese students in Germany usually have a hard time adjusting to everyday life in Germany. Greater personal responsibility and language barriers are hurdles on the way to better integration. Still, many of them have a positive view of their stay after returning to China.

By Frank Sieren

Peking Corona Massentests

Omicron wave rolls: Beijing fears 'grim' times

Mass tests, panic buying, first residential blocks on lockdown. It seems that the Omicron variant has reached the Chinese capital. Even the authorities are warning of "grim times" for China's capital. The situation threatens to spiral out of control – and could also become a threat to President Xi Jinping.

By Michael Radunski

CAI: Agreement remains on hold despite China's concession

After decades of coaxing, Beijing has signed two international conventions against forced labor. The timing is intentional: UN representatives are set to visit the problem region of Xinjiang in May. The EU Commission, however, is unimpressed with the investment agreement.

By Amelie Richter

Macron's election victory: triumph and warning signal

The incumbent has won the runoff election by a surprisingly clear margin. There is great relief in the EU and NATO over the defeat of the far-right Marine Le Pen. However, the extent of the French president's wriggle room will not be decided until June.

By

'Media censorship is also a problem for the party'

In her bestseller "Hidden Hand" Mareike Ohlberg also covers Chinese media policy, which – as can be seen in the Ukraine war – continues to spread highly biased narratives. In an interview with China.Table, the sinologist explains how well-educated Chinese nevertheless get news from abroad and under what circumstances Beijing could abandon its strict media censorship. The interview was conducted by Fabian Peltsch.

By Fabian Peltsch

Lockdown frustration turns netizens creative

Following announcements of even stricter Covid measures, critical posts are piling up on social media. Posts have become harsher and more defiant. Over the weekend, censors even added a line from China's own national anthem to the blacklist.

By Redaktion Table

Convention against forced labor aims to limit damage to EU relations

After decades of coaxing, Beijing has signed two international conventions against forced labor. The timing is intentional: UN representatives are set to visit Xinjiang in May. And EU-China relations could also use a bit of a boost. The EU, however, is unimpressed. It does not expect any improvements for the local workforce.

By Amelie Richter