News
China announced that it will invest its gigantic foreign exchange reserves more heavily in green assets in the future. A rethink is urgently needed because sustainability considerations have hardly played a role in investment decisions so far. According to rumors, the largest fund even wants to invest $19 billion in the oil giant Saudi Aramco. At present, sovereign wealth funds around the world are finding it difficult to switch to green investments: Their profitability is uncertain and the switch entails costs.
By Nico Beckert
The cotton harvest in Xinjiang is suspected of forced labor. Many buyers thus avoid yarn from China. But raw material prices are rising, and soon consumers will feel the effects. However, there is no alternative to higher prices in a severe fight against forced labor.
By Marcel Grzanna
The steel industry has a large share of China's rapid growth. The country is the largest importer of iron ore. However, China obtains the raw material primarily from Australia, a country with which the People's Republic has been in conflict for more than a year. Beijing is now looking primarily to Guinea in West Africa to diversify its sources. But the situation there is difficult. With no quick alternative, Australia and China will have to come to an agreement in the foreseeable future. They just can't get along without each other.
By Frank Sieren
The crisis between Australia and China has come to a head. It's about geostrategic interests, influence, punitive tariffs, and the promising 5G technology. The former harmonious relationship has turned into an open rivalry. It is a conflict whose course Europe should watch closely because it all started with similar disagreements as the EU currently has with Beijing.
By Michael Radunski