Without Hartmut Heine, there would be no Transrapid in China. He brought political representatives from the People's Republic and German industry to one table. Today, his responsibility is the potential cooperation on yet another project: a European-Chinese Hyperloop, the Transrapid 2.0. Heine knows how difficult it was to get the Transrapid project on track – and explains what lessons we can learn from it today. An interview by Frank Sieren.
By Frank Sieren
China is one of the largest markets for electric vehicles. While sales of new vehicles are booming, the recycling of batteries in the People's Republic is still underdeveloped. Many batteries disappear into illegal channels, important raw materials are lost. Experts see a discrepancy between regulations and reality. Green e-mobility has a sustainability problem.
By Nico Beckert
Just four years ago, Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin was China's richest man for a time. But the real estate conglomerate's mountain of debt keeps growing. Beijing has urged Xu to resolve these problems quickly. But banks and rating agencies are shaking their heads.
By Redaktion Table
A little over a year after the security law was passed, Hong Kong's future has never been more uncertain. The US is warning foreign companies about arbitrary government action, courts obstruct trials of imprisoned opposition, young people are suspected of planning bomb attacks, and thousands are turning their backs on the city and moving abroad. Quo vadis, Hong Kong?
By Marcel Grzanna
The EU is getting serious about the Green Deal. The CO2 border adjustment and the expansion of emissions trading, both part of the "Fit for 55" package, are intended to help achieve Brussels' climate goals. Above all, the border adjustment for CO2 emissions will have consequences for the People's Republic of China. Critics from the European metal and aluminium industry are already certain: the People's Republic will find a way around the border adjustment.
By Amelie Richter
Chinese scientists are making rapid progress in the field of laser technology. A beam containing 10,000 times more energy than all the world's power grids combined could create matter and antimatter and help physicists understand the origin of the universe. Another research project has developed a laser technique that can identify hidden objects more than a kilometer away. The technology could bring important advances to autonomous driving.
By Frank Sieren
Time grows short. In the race for technological dominance in the world, citizens of many Western countries already see the People's Republic of China as the victor. Because this leading position simultaneously leads to political strength, North America and Europe should quickly join forces. A report by the Munich Security Conference, jointly prepared by Berlin-based research institute Merics and the US think tank Aspen Strategy Group, analyzes its core tasks necessary for a revitalization of transatlantic relations. The paper clearly shows, that there is much work to be done to make up for the failures of the recent past.
By Marcel Grzanna
Liuzhou is teeming with small, colorful electric cars. Models that have often been smiled upon and considered as too simple – but these small electric vehicles are more popular in China than ever before. Mainly because people are able to afford the comparatively inexpensive small electric cars. In this city of millions, however, there are also a number of contributing factors.
By Christiane Kuehl
Confucius Institutes around the globe are suspected of involvement in propaganda and espionage. In Japan, the Ministry of Education has even launched an official investigation. A fight with critics often take on bizarre forms, as the latest example in Slovakia shows, where the director of one of the institutes surprised with crude remarks.
By Marcel Grzanna
The crackdown on ride-hailing service Didi Chuxing by Chinese authorities has had consequences: several Chinese companies have canceled their IPOs in New York. China's government is making the clear statement that it wants more IPOs in Hong Kong instead.
By Redaktion Table
