Table.Briefings

Opinion

Johnny Erling

Hi, Mom – China's golden 80s

How free, full of hope, and carefree the 80s were in China. That's how many Chinese in their fifties and sixties think. The film "Hi, Mom" has triggered a wave of nostalgia. It is a box office hit – and also an image of the times that reflects the nationalistic present, which is overrun by propaganda and performance drills.

By Redaktion Table

Why should Biden ditch Trump's China tariffs?

Joe Biden should roll back the tariffs Donald Trump imposed on China. They are hurting US workers and companies and have failed to bring down the overall US trade deficit. However, Biden should persuade China to do something in return, for example, in the climate sector.

By Redaktion Table

Children do not think geopolitically

Writing contextlessly in a children's book that COVID-19 comes from China is dangerous. Because children don't think geopolitically. Children of Asian descent will distance themselves from their roots in order not to become victims of bullying. And German-born children will blame Asian-born children for the pandemic. Such dehumanizations continue into adulthood and reinforce the feeling of exclusion among the Asian population in Germany.

By Redaktion Table

Johnny Erling

Hurt feelings and old friends

Whether Mercedes, Dolce Gabbana, Ronald Reagan, or the K-pop stars of BTS – they have all been accused by Beijing of "hurting the feelings of the Chinese people". The accusation has become a popular political slogan and is used by Beijing to interfere in foreign affairs. However, those who hurt feelings can just as quickly become "time-honored friends of the Chinese people". Three state or business visits to Beijing are enough if one spares oneself vociferous criticism, as Angela Merkel's example proves.

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Why China’s Hong Kong crackdown could backfire

Chinese leaders are most likely already aware of the probable international consequences of pursuing an ultra-repressive course in Hong Kong. But by prosecuting 47 pro-democracy activists, President Xi Jinping is throwing down the gauntlet to a new US administration and its allies – and may be overplaying his hand.

By Redaktion Table

No decoupling from China

China is not only a partner and economic competitor for Germany but also a systemic rival. This means that global challenges will also have to be solved jointly with China in the future. But no decoupling from China also means a level playing field and stricter reciprocity. Europe must not allow itself to be divided and, in coordination with the US, should find a common China policy.

By Redaktion Table

Tax havens are sabotaging the SDGs

Around ten percent of global GDP is located in tax havens. This is according to international studies. This money hinders the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The international community must increase its efforts to combat corruption and tax evasion.

By Redaktion Table

Johnny Erling

Wang Huning: servant of three masters

Wang Huning is exceptional among Chinese leadership technocrats. He has served as chief adviser to three presidents since 1995. His signature can be found in the teachings of Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping. But Wang's once aspirational goal of greater democracy has since receded into the distant future.

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How cooperation with China works

China looks back on a long history as an agricultural civilization – and is thus very different from the geographic fragmentation and political competition historically seen in the West. The lines between Chinese central planning and the democratic capitalism of the West no longer run clearly. A new global social contract must promote a shared narrative within the framework of which each country defines its role within the global collective.

By Redaktion Table

Digital central bank currency – He who hesitates has lost

In recent years, the Chinese government has made great strides in introducing the digital central bank currency. Europe should not waste any more time and digitize the euro quickly – and just like the Chinese, in a first step as an ECB interbank standard that commercial banks can then pass on to end customers.

By Redaktion Table