Europe wants to defend itself against economic coercion by other countries. The EU Commission plans to present a new "anti-coercion instrument" by the end of the year. The discussion about the right instruments is starting now. Brussels' intention behind the mechanism: It is about deterrence – not least in the direction of China. What options does the EU Commission have at its disposal?
By Amelie Richter
They are arch-rivals and seal off their platforms from each other: China's tech giants Alibaba and Tencent. But now Beijing is getting serious about the fight against digital monopolies. For better or worse, the two will have to cooperate. Alibaba made the first step and now applied for a mini-program on Tencent's mega app WeChat for its online store Taobao Deals. What does Beijing's action mean for the private platform economy in the People's Republic?
By Christiane Kuehl
The US Parliament takes the initiative for a more aggressive China policy. Among other things, the US government should take tougher action against intellectual property theft and protect Taiwan. At the same time, the US should rely on means that China already uses.
By Felix Lee
The EU is not prepared to help Montenegro repay a Chinese loan. It's about almost €1 billion for the construction of a motorway, which Western institutions assessed early on as not worthwhile. Is Europe missing a great opportunity to strengthen pro-European forces in the Western Balkans and instead leaving the field to Beijing?
By Marcel Grzanna
The world's largest sportswear manufacturers Nike and Adidas are plagued by boycott concerns in their China business. Their Chinese competitor Anta Sports, meanwhile, is actively sourcing cotton from Xinjiang. A strategy that could become a problem internationally for the main supplier of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
By Redaktion Table
Taiwan tensions between China and the US are rising rapidly. Both sides are increasing their military presence in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing is pushing into Taiwan's airspace with an ever-increasing military force. But Taipei is also arming itself. Next week Democrats and Republicans in the US Senate will debate a bill that could further strengthen the United States' ties with Taiwan.
By Felix Lee
The latest update of the Asian financial safety net, CMIM, is another step toward greater Asian financial independence – away from the US dollar and the US-dominated IMF. The CMIM, in which China, Japan, and South Korea play a central role, is being strengthened just as the new US administration under President Joe Biden seeks to revive its influence in Asia. This also plays into China's long-term plans for the yuan.
By Frank Sieren
The Export Control Law, which has been in force for about four months, is China's first law in this area. Although provisions existed before, they did not have the law status. Lawyer Sebastian Wiendieck explains the law and the consequences for affected companies inside and outside China.
By Antje Sirleschtov
Huawei is increasingly finding itself in a predicament. Chinese suppliers are supposed to fill the gap left by the US supply ban on microchips. Until then, the hoarded semiconductor elements will have to do. And if not? Then the survival of the company is threatened, says the acting CEO.
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China and Russia are cooperating in many areas – from flourishing commodity trade to plans for a joint moon station to replacing the US dollar as the reserve currency. However, a closer look shows: The supposed affection has clear boundaries – and potential for conflict.
By Michael Radunski
