Chinese Communist Party

About the magic of names on the way into space

The Middle Kingdom is playing its trump cards in space travel. That's what many headlines say. China's taikonauts (after the word taikong 太空 for outer space) are on the verge of moving into their own celestial palace (Tiangong 天宫) in space in 2022, just before US astronauts and Russian cosmonauts have to vacate their outdated International Space Station (ISS). China's Fairy (Zhang'e 嫦娥) returned to the moon, where she has her cute Jade Rabbit (Yutu 玉兔) exploring the far side as a rover. Starting mid-May, Fire God (Zhu Rong 祝融) will help explore Mars as the second rover. The People's Republic, a latecomer to space, is reshuffling its space cards with traditional folklore – loosely based on Confucius: "The superior man can determine the terms and turn his words into deeds."

By Table.Briefings

Huarong can service Debts

By Ning Wang

Anger and hostility – even during COVID-19

India is currently suffering more than any other country from the COVID-19 pandemic. China is offering help in this humanitarian catastrophe and wants to position itself as an alternative to the US. However, a tasteless tweet shows the state of relations between the two arch-rivals – even during COVID-19.

By Michael Radunski

Is China becoming a "superpower"?

By Redaktion Table

News from China's 'gilded cage'

Members of the highest party elite are present in China's media every day. But as soon as they retire, they disappear completely from the public eye overnight. Even ex-party leaders are no longer allowed to show themselves or be heard from without permission from the Politburo. The once all-powerful control freaks are now monitored and censored by their successors. Some see this as poetic justice.

By Table.Briefings

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

Qin Gang

By Ning Wang

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

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