
Ukraine is the largest supplier of rare earth elements and other raw materials for the European high-tech sector. The EU originally wanted to become less dependent on China when it came to procuring industrial minerals - and has relied primarily on Ukraine for this purpose. China has also sought access to rare earth and noble gas deposits. Putin's war of aggression has now thwarted the plans on both sides. Will the valuable deposits now fall into Russia's hands?
By Frank Sieren
Beijing's "China Standards 2035" initiative has caused experts to turn heads. The project shows that China has discovered standardization as an industrial, geopolitical and power-political instrument. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China will present a report on standardization in the People's Republic on Thursday. Germany and the EU still have some catching up to do, especially in key technologies, says Sibylle Gabler, Director Government Relations at the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). Speaking to Amelie Richter, however, she gives the all-clear: China is still a long shot from reaching superiority. But there is still a lot of work to be done.
By Amelie Richter
US President Joe Biden is bringing America's soldiers stationed in Afghanistan back home. The withdrawal is to be completed by the end of August. And a new player is already making its move. China wants to use the resulting vacuum for its own benefit.
By Michael Radunski
LFP as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries once marked the beginning of an emerging Chinese battery industry. Now, first Tesla boss Elon Musk and then Volkswagen have announced their intention to rely more on LFP in the future. The main reasons for this are cost pressure, raw material availability, and expiring patents. And once again, Chinese companies could benefit from the trend.
By Amelie Richter
With its 14th Five-Year Plan, China aims for more independence from foreign countries and at the same time attempts to open its markets more; it wants to invest more and at the same time save more. What sounds contradictory has a method and brings opportunities for Germany and Europe.
By Frank Sieren