The next few weeks will be crucial for China's spring sowing season. But Beijing's zero-covid strategy hits the agricultural sector hard. In the northeastern province of Jilin in particular, where a lot of corn is grown, sowing might not happen at all this year. This adds to the problematic situation around the world.
By Ning Wang
Taipei is on high alert, not only since the Russian invasion of Ukraine - however, the war in Europe has sparked a debate in Taiwan about extending conscription. But experts say that is impossible in the short term. For reservists, however, refresher training has already been overhauled. One participant recounts his impressions of the "toughest training in the history" of the island for China.Table.
By Redaktion Table
The EU Commission is still wrestling with a legal framework for the European Health Data Space. In this hot phase, the experts of the TEHDAS Joint Action are publishing one report after another to support the Commission in its efforts. In doing so, they advocate for one point of contact for health data per member state.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
In the event of a gas embargo, the key deciding factor would be the level of solidarity among the EU member states. However, experts are skeptical that the necessary institutions can be installed for a short-term supply freeze.
By Manuel Berkel
An Italian shares his day-to-day life in a quarantine center in Shanghai with the world. His story is absurdly funny, but tragic at the same time. Alessandro Pavanello describes how his life changed after a positive test.
By Redaktion Table
To keep production going despite China's zero-covid policy, companies in affected regions have employees sleep in groups on site after work. The closed-loop method is supposed to keep the virus out. But this only works as long as companies still receive preliminary products.
By Christiane Kuehl
Cars are hardly ever bought online. Not even by the otherwise digital-savvy Chinese customers. But new business models and vehicles could lead to a change. German manufacturers try to lead the way.
By Christian Domke Seidel
The decarbonization of shipping continues to falter. Therefore, environmental organizations and politicians hope that the Fit for 55 package and the proposal for sustainable marine fuels will spark greater ambitions. However, the rapporteur for the lead transport committee in the EU Parliament has now put a damper on these hopes for the time being.
By Lukas Knigge
As expected, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen are set to face off in the second round of the French presidential election. Their ideas on European policy could hardly be more opposed, and this could help decide the second round of voting.
By
The Ukrainian government is reluctant to criticize China's "neutral" position on Russia's war of aggression. Instead, Kyiv sees an opportunity in the People's Republic's close ties to Vladimir Putin and would even welcome China's stronger role. But even a month and a half after the war broke out, there has been no direct interaction between the two presidents.
By Frank Sieren
