According to figures, China is one of the most generous donors of development aid. Or is it? An event organized by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) provides new insights. The loans often do not have particularly favorable conditions. Moreover, there is a lack of transparency. Even Chinese officials are often unsure which funding agency grants which sums to which beneficiaries.
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Ransomware and state-tolerated or state-sponsored hacking are increasingly on the minds of institutions and companies. The revision of the Network Security and Information Directive is intended to provide some relief here — and is now on the legislative fast track.
By Falk Steiner
The negotiations on the Digital Services Act are making slow progress in the Internal Market Committee. Although the positions on the ban on personalized advertising are converging and the topic was not on the debate agenda, the Commission reheated the discussion. There was agreement that the hearing of whistleblower Frances Haugen would have consequences for the draft law.
By Jasmin Kohl
The success or failure of the World Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26) will probably be decided by the negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, agreement is also likely to be reached in other areas – with relevant consequences for global climate protection. One thorny issue is the reduction of emissions from shipping and aviation.
By Lukas Knigge
Hong Kong has become the world's most closed-off financial metropolis as a result of the Covid pandemic. But despite a growing impatience from banks and businesses, borders remain tight. Banks are now ranting in an open letter about the collapsing business as a result of extreme quarantine rules.
By Redaktion Table
While China is pounding its chest, EU institutions and member nations are trying to improve their ties with Taiwan. The US is simultaneously supporting the greater integration of the island nation into the United Nations. And Beijing is reacting with its usual harsh rhetoric.
By Redaktion Table
Every three years, the political leaders of China and African countries meet at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. This is the highest-level meeting between the nations. It will be held again in November, but an exact date has not yet been set. Nico Beckert spoke with Marina Rudyak from Heidelberg University about China's lending in Africa, the New Silk Road, and African demands on China.
By Nico Beckert
The EU Commission can't quite get its supply chain law off the ground. The Brussels-based authority missed the October deadline for the presentation of its so-called Due Diligence Law. One reason: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to use the supply chain law to enforce a ban on imports of products from forced labor. This could also affect some Chinese imports.
By Charlotte Wirth
Luxury carmaker FAW wants to turn the patriotic luxury brand Hongqi into China's first global EV export hit. The selling point of models like the S9 and L5 is primarily their rarity. However, it is still a ways off from the Chinese S-Class.
By Frank Sieren
The Commission misses the October deadline for presenting the law on corporate due diligence. As if there weren't enough points of contention already, the Commission President has now interfered: von der Leyen wants to use the law to enforce a ban on imports of products from forced labor. This would actually require a trade instrument.
By Charlotte Wirth
