China's new ambassador to the US, Qin Gang, sends a conciliatory signal at the beginning of his term in office with a message of greeting to a panda bear. But when it comes to COVID-19, it becomes clear that this new ambassador is also able to display a fierce attitude towards Washington. After all, unlike diplomats of democratic systems, Qin enjoys considerably less leeway in his work.
By Marcel Grzanna
China's electric market is growing and growing and growing. Nevertheless, not all electric start-ups make the cut. Some are lost on the way. Reasons are too high costs, management problems or excessive ambitions. Only those who get a grip on all these issues have a chance on the merciless predatory market. In the meantime, the stories of the once highly acclaimed bankrupt companies are sounding more and more like soap operas.
By Christiane Kuehl
The EU Commission is working on a new version of the EU climate aid guidelines. The new rules are to apply from January 2022 and are causing concern in the energy-intensive German industry. Now the German government has reacted and addressed the concerns in its statement. The House of Economics Minister Peter Altmaier sees a considerable need for clarification.
By Timo Landenberger
Prague is looking forward wistfully to the departure of the German chancellor, who has personal ties to the neighboring country. Above all, the Czechs will miss Merkel's influence in Brussels. Her successor should therefore be as similar as possible to Angela Merkel.
By Redaktion Table
Wind energy is a decisive factor in the expansion of renewable energies in Europe. But onshore land consumption is a problem, and off many coasts, the sea is too deep for profitable offshore wind farms. New technology is expected to provide the solution: Floating Offshore.
By Timo Landenberger
Lobbycontrol and Corporate Europe Observatory show how big tech companies influence digital legislation in Brussels. But their report shows gaps.
By Till Hoppe
The number of floods in China is rising. Although the country wants to transform more than two-thirds of its cities into so-called "sponge cities" by 2030 and even internationally, the recent floods in Zhengzhou expose the plan's weaknesses.
By Ning Wang
China is the world's largest producer of hydrogen. But green hydrogen is still rare, and European companies are spearheading it. That is now set to change. With sun, wind and a lot of money, Beijing wants to turn Inner Mongolia into a hub for green hydrogen.
By Frank Sieren
When it comes to China's stock markets, there is often talk of a bloodbath. However, it was mainly Chinese internet companies that went downhill while producers of solar cells, wind power and electric cars are experiencing a boom.
By Redaktion Table
Nils Schmid is concerned: China poses a serious challenge, he says, because it is taking place in an area in which Germany and the West have hitherto considered themselves unrivaled. Angela Merkel's China policy will not get us very far, the SPD foreign policy expert warns. The behavior of the German economy is also not a credit to the country. It is high time for a new German China policy. This interview was conducted by Michael Radunski. Here can find more interviews with top representatives of German politics ahead of the 2021 federal elections.
By Michael Radunski
