For four decades, rapid economic growth was the prime imperative of China's communist leaders. President Xi Jinping, by contrast, is prepared to forego growth in the interest of cementing the Party's political power and pursuing his Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
By Experts Table.Briefings
China's communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations with Germany 50 years ago was just one phrase. Two unlikely actors made it happen: A Chinese journalist and an opposition politician from the CDU.
By Fabian Peltsch
Xi Jinping cultivates a veritable cult around China's Great Wall. Yet Mao Zedong considered the ancient structure to be a feudal relic. But that did not stop him from creating a ritual: Foreign dignitaries on a visit to Beijing outdo each other with the length of their walks along the monument.
By Table.Briefings
Beijing's approach to its own history is always worth a special look. After all, transparency is not a strong suit here either. In 2006, however, China's Foreign Ministry published a book on declassified documents for the first time. A second volume never came out. Thus, other documents have to serve as a reminder of history.
By Table.Briefings
After a three-year search, the Vatican has found a new bishop for Hong Kong in Stephen Chow Sau-yan. The 62-year-old Jesuit is to broker between the fronts and prevent Christians in Hong Kong from suffering the same fate as the believers on the mainland.
By Fabian Peltsch
At the Yingtai Pavilion, part of the old Beijing Imperial Palace, the lines of history cross in an unlikely fashion. It was in the setting of imperial splendor that Communist autocrat Mao met with Pu Yi, the deposed last emperor. Recently, Xi Jinping used the same location for a special meeting. And he spared no imperial symbolism for himself.
By Table.Briefings
In today's CEO Talk, Kempinski manager Ilja Poepper talks about how to operate luxury hotels during the pandemic and in China's booming hotel market. The key for success are the preferences of the new generation of young Chinese customers: Influencers on social media are pivotal for marketing. Frank Sieren spoke with Poepper.
By Frank Sieren
Xi is copying Mao: Following the example of a well-known hymn to the former Great Chairman, the new leader is also being given a ballad that praises his deeds. While the cult of personality is becoming increasingly grotesque, there is also growing resistance within the party.
By Table.Briefings
Where the People's Republic's journey in world history will lead is not decided in Beijing alone – geopolitical developments, economic competition, and disruptive fires such as pandemics weave the coordinate network of the future global balance of power. But who is at the helm in Beijing when it comes to the direction of policy in the years ahead is no longer in doubt since the 6th Plenum. How is Xi's expansion of power viewed in the West?
By Marcel Grzanna
