In his speech on the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping stresses that China is open to constructive criticism from other countries and is striving for a collective, peaceful world order. However, then his tone changes: The time to lecture or even bully China from a high horse is over. To defend itself, China needs a strong army. Lastly, Taiwan belongs to the mainland.
By Frank Sieren
The prices for iron ore, metals or crude oil keep rising. China is one of the largest importers and consumers of these raw materials. Many companies pass on the increased prices to their customers. Inflation is rising and small producers are perishing from the price increase. The government is beginning to take countermeasures and is throwing strategic reserves onto the market.
By Christiane Kuehl
Trade with the People's Republic is booming, and the financial year 2021 promises new records. Nevertheless, criticism of the current China strategy is growing in Switzerland. Can the country maintain its famous neutrality even though it is bound to the People's Republic by a free trade agreement? A dilemma for the Swiss.
By Amelie Richter
The Chinese battery manufacturer SVOLT wants to start serial production in Saarland by 2024 at the latest. Nevertheless, European head Kai-Uwe Wollenhaupt warns of a battery bottleneck due to the enormous demand. He recommends car manufacturers to secure capacities now. However, SVOLT will not plunge the competition into a price war, the Dortmund native promises in an interview with China.Table. Marcel Grzanna conducted the interview.
By Marcel Grzanna
Anyone who wants to process data of European citizens in China or data from China abroad will have to be even more careful in the future. Otherwise, they could face severe penalties. Two new laws seem to make China more like the EU – but the situation is now even more complicated for companies.
By Falk Steiner
With the takeover of the Beijing real estate group Soho China, the US private equity company Blackstone has made its largest real estate deal in China to date. The takeover cost a good $3 billion. This is already the third billion-dollar deal with China in just a few months. Other large financial companies are also expanding in China.
By Frank Sieren
In the Chinese Communist Party, the personal network of relationships builds the basis for climbing to a position of power. In past decades, those who made it to the top were either members of the Youth League or representatives of coastal business interests. Head of state Xi has managed to weaken both factions and build his own empire. But the path to the presidency for life is fraught with danger.
By Marcel Grzanna
German companies are hoping that China will finally relax its strict entry restrictions. But Beijing continues to keep quiet about when it will revise visa rules and quarantine. The less effective Chinese vaccines are likely delaying a decision further.
By Redaktion Table
Boycotts against European companies sanctions in response to political positioning: Beijing is increasingly using its economic power as leverage. The EU wants to improve its ability to defend against blackmail in the future. A think tank has now presented concrete proposals on how to make use of a new anti-coercion instrument in response.
By Amelie Richter
China's companies are more present at the UEFA European Championship, Euro 2020, than ever before. They are appearing as official partners like Alibaba – or as tournament sponsors like TikTok. The advertising presence gets the companies visibility for their global business and, at the same time, supports China's ambitions to host a World Cup itself one day. And since Chinese fans also like to watch the Euro at night, the advertising serves the country's own market as well.
By Christiane Kuehl
