Table.Briefings

Feature

Tesla in China: the end of the honeymoon

The US electric car pioneer Tesla seemed to be the darling of Chinese authorities for a long time. But after a number of mishaps, the company is now being scolded by the media and lectured by regulators. The message is clear: China first. Anyone who wants to earn money in the People's Republic should treat Chinese consumers like royalty. A lesson for foreign investors.

By Marcel Grzanna

Merkel's Beijing trip with Wirecard in tow

When the Chancellor goes to China, she represents only the most important concerns of Germany and Europe to the highest leadership. How did a conman make it onto her speaking list, and what role did the Roeller couple and a man named Michael Papageorgiou play?

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China's maritime influence in Europe

China continues to expand its influence in Europe's ports. In Germany's only deep-sea port, JadeWeserPort, alone, the Chinese are currently investing €100 million. Brussels, however, is watching the developments with suspicion. The EU does not want to allow the Chinese to expand as unrestrictedly as at the port of Piraeus again.

By Frank Sieren

After the climate summit: cooperation and competition

After the climate summit, the interpretations begin: In addition to the question of how much the pledges made are worth, there is also the question of what effect the reactivated climate diplomacy will have on China's relations with the USA. The signs are still pointing to competition.

By Christiane Kuehl

Geely has big plans for Zeekr

With the new brand Zeekr, the car company Geely wants to roll up the premium segment for EVs. The first model, which is to be launched in China in September, was presented at the Shanghai auto show. And there are big plans: International expansion, including to Europe, is planned for the coming year, as is its own IPO. In 2015, the manufacturer had already failed once with Geely Blue. Can Geely now implement its plans with Zeekr?

By Frank Sieren

China plans to build over 150 airports by 2035

No other country is building new airports as fast as China. By 2035, their number is set to rise from 241 at present to 400. The government sees a need to catch up, especially in smaller cities. The train network and highways are also to be greatly expanded. If the infrastructure plans are implemented, the construction boom will continue unabated.

By Redaktion Table

Scholz: Wirecard commitment was routine

In 2019, the German government twice intervened in China on behalf of the scandal company Wirecard. Its market entry was first on the list of German concerns at the Financial Markets Dialogue in January two years ago. Then, in September, the chancellor raised it with top management. In retrospect, that raises questions.

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'As a designer, you have more room to maneuver in a Chinese company'

Wolfgang Egger is one of the world's leading car designers. He has developed the Q7 SUV for Audi, the R8 sports car, and the first Audi E-tron concept. At Alfa Romeo, he was responsible for the design of the 8C Competizione, among other things. That could have been enough – but it wasn't enough for him. Now, in his late fifties, Egger is "in the middle of by far the most exciting task of my life," as he says. Since 2016, he has been chief designer at the southern Chinese manufacturer BYD. At the Shanghai auto show, Egger unveiled BYD's new EA-1 compact car, which is designed to rival Volkswagen's ID3, for example. A conversation about iconic compact cars, Chinese design, and what makes working in the People's Republic different from working in Europe.

By Frank Sieren

Tibet's government in exile hopes for new alliances

At the end of May, the newly elected Tibetan government-in-exile will take office. In an interview with China.Table, the Dalai Lama's former special envoy, Kelsang Gyaltsen, explains the challenges facing the Tibetans. He notes a growing distancing of the world. The Tibetans also place hope in cooperation with the Uyghurs.

By Marcel Grzanna

China waiting for a signal ahead of climate summit

Xi Jinping will attend Joe Biden's climate summit starting today. China wants to become climate neutral by 2060, but its climate record so far is very contradictory. While Beijing is investing heavily in renewable energy, it is also spending heavily on heavy industry. At the climate summit, Xi is expected to commit to a more ambitious climate strategy.

By Christiane Kuehl