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Growing doubts about Orbán's soft line approach with Beijing

Hungary is undisputedly China's most vocal friend in the EU. Relations go back further than with other Central European states. But now there is trouble over a planned offshoot of Fudan University in Budapest. The project could lead to an – at least temporary – break with the alliance with Beijing. Because elections are coming up in Hungary. And apparently, China is not popular in the Hungarian capital. The outcome of the German elections could also influence developments.

By Amelie Richter

Feature

Generation Z no longer wants to slave away

The work ethic of young Chinese is becoming a source of conflict between generations. Instead of working enthusiastically for a supposedly better future, they are more resigned than their parents. The reason: In view of the great inequality of opportunity, they no longer feel that their efforts are worthwhile. This also influences the plan to become technology leaders as quickly as possible.

By Ning Wang

Feature

Biden wants to put G7 on track against China

US President Joe Biden wants to rally Europe behind him to take joint action against China. At the G7 summit in Cornwall this weekend, the heads of government of the seven industrialized nations want to adopt a counter-program to the Bealt and Road Initiative. But the German government is hesitating.

By Felix Lee

Feature

Charging infrastructure for EVs grows at record pace

China has installed two-thirds of the world's public charging points for EVs in recent years. The country thus leads the global comparison. The central government, the provinces, and the regions subsidize the sector massively. However, while the expansion is progressing quickly on paper, there are problems in practice: the charging points are often defective and the operation is complicated.

By Nico Beckert

Feature

Shein, the mysterious fashion giant

Chinese fashion platform Shein is shaking up the global fast-fashion industry and challenging the business models of Western competitors like Zara and H M with a sophisticated data strategy. The company already ships to 220 countries. Its market value is estimated at $15 billion – making it one of the most valuable tech startups in the world. However, as the company's profile grows, questions about its production and environmental standard are being raised.

By Frank Sieren

Feature

Quiet and barely visible: the underestimated work of the United Front

For nearly 100 years, the Communist Party's United Front has sought to rally nonmembers to the party line and keep overseas Chinese under control. Its role as a string-puller in other countries, where it influences perceptions of Chinese politics through close networks of relationships with influential figures, is still completely underestimated. Sometimes foreigners do not even know they are providing valuable services to the United Front.

By Marcel Grzanna

Feature

How the digital renminbi is to become a world currency

China wants to be the first major economy to introduce a state-owned digital currency. Companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and JD.com support the introduction. The first tests are already underway. Beijing is pursuing a major goal: The e-CNY is supposed to become the new world currency. But the project still has its limits. An interim solution could pave the way.

By Frank Sieren

Feature

The laboratory thesis and its consequences

The origin of the Covid pandemic remains unclear. But the mere suspicion that the pathogen originated in a laboratory in Wuhan could cause massive political damage to the People's Republic. Instead of convincing the world otherwise with a transparent investigation, Beijing is threatened with further loss of confidence. Claims for damages and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics are just two possible consequences.

By Marcel Grzanna

Feature

New EU Chamber of Commerce survey: no sign of a crisis

Good business in a difficult environment: According to the latest survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, many companies in China are earning more than expected, even in the Covid year 2020. They want to continue investing – although they complain about obstacles to market access and persistent unequal treatment.

By Christiane Kuehl

Feature

Joe Kaeser: 'We underestimated the impact of Belt and Road Initiative'

He hasn't been Siemens CEO for four months – so Joe Kaeser can focus on his role as a thought leader for German business on Asian issues. Under his leadership, the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA) recently advocated greater diversification of German activities in the region. In an interview with China.Table, he now warns: If the EU is not at the table when it comes to setting standards, German SMEs, in particular, will suffer. Meanwhile, the attempt to economically decouple the world's regions runs counter to the requirements of digitalization. Finn Mayer-Kuckuk spoke with Joe Kaeser.

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