Table.Briefings

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Die Marssonde Tianwen-1

China's plans in space

Tomorrow, the Chinese Mars probe is scheduled to enter orbit around Mars. It is an undertaking that combines three missions in one with an orbiter, lander and rover. For China, the space program is about prestige, technology, economic goals and geopolitical influence.

By Redaktion Table

Xinjiang: calls for independent fact-finding mission

A report on rape and torture in re-education camps in Xinjiang has caused a great uproar in Europe and the US. Dozens of international parliamentarians, including three Germans, call on their governments to act. China's government calls the reporting a lie.

By Redaktion Table

China debates masculinity

Boys become increasingly "effeminate" under the influence of coddling mothers and groomed boy band stars, fears a politically influential industry boss and MP – sparking a surprisingly large response in Chinese society.

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Diplomatic escalation

Immediately after taking office US President Joe Biden has sent military ships to the South China Sea. However, this is not a fundamental question about the "One China" policy. Washington still has no interest in a military confrontation but is clearly signaling that Beijing must be prepared for the new US administration not to underestimate its rival.

By Frank Sieren

Cotton from forced labor – even in our wardrobes

International fashion companies are facing accusations that their processed cotton comes from Uyghur forced labor. The Chinese government speaks of a labor transfer program. But some companies are dissolving their cooperation with producers from China.

By Felix Lee

Webull, the finance app of the mighty dwarves

The turmoil surrounding Gamestop has helped a Chinese trading app to a breakthrough in the US. The competition had blocked critical orders, leaving a gap for Webull. The up-and-coming app uses smartphones to find its way into stock market trading.

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Batteries for electricity storage

The recycling of spent EV batteries is still in its infancy worldwide. China will soon be the first country to be confronted with a gigantic amount of used batteries. The first recycling factories have been set up. Rules and standards for recycling have already been set. For example, by law, EV companies must collect their used batteries everywhere they sell cars. One of the pioneers in recycling is electric car pioneer BYD.

By Christiane Kuehl

Criticism of CAI worker protection requirements continues

More than 100 China experts are calling for a halt to the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). They criticize China's weak commitment to human and workers' rights. The debate focuses, in particular, on the ILO conventions on forced labor, which Beijing has not yet ratified.

By Amelie Richter

Beijing regulates Ant Group like a bank

The entire financial arm of the Alibaba Group will be regulated like a financial house in the future. Not without reason: Ant Financial already originates more than a fifth of consumer loans in China. With Ant's classification as a financial holding company, the company must also adjust its capitalization. A measure to mitigate credit risks.

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TikTok rival Kuaishou goes public

Chinese video app Tiktok's biggest competitor is going public in Hong Kong on Friday. The company is expected to reach a market valuation of $60 billion at the start of trading. Although Kuaishou's business is growing rapidly, the startup is struggling with several problems. International expansion has been slow. Recent tighter laws in China are also slowing Kuaishou down.

By Redaktion Table