Shortly ahead of the G20 summit in Bali, Xi Jinping confronts Joe Biden with emphatic self-confidence. He resents criticism of his Taiwan policy and plays the schoolmaster. Biden addresses human rights, Xi complains about rising US trade barriers. The official protocols of both sides reveal interesting differences.
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Never before has an undemocratic regime successfully generated such innovation-driven growth as in China. Under Xi Jinping, control over the country and the economy has once again increased significantly. Will economic growth continue under these conditions? Daron Acemoglu, an economist at MIT, is skeptical.
By Experts Table.Briefings
The chancellor of a country committed to human rights, democracy and the rule of law would have been expected to keep his distance from those who fight these values. Instead, Olaf Scholz paid his respects to Xi Jinping last week - immediately after his coronation mass as autocrat, criticizes Kai Müller of the International Campaign for Tibet Germany (ICT).
By Experts Table.Briefings
The just-concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China revealed that, for President Xi Jinping, foregone economic growth is a necessary price to pay for national security. And it is clear from who will surround him at the top of the Party in the coming years where he believes the main threat to China lies.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Olaf Scholz had the opportunity to break the silence with Xi Jinping in Beijing. He presented Germany's interests and concerns on central issues and found clear words to do so. The vaccine manufacturer Biontech at least received a positive signal.
By Frank Sieren
With his banners on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing, one man has triggered a small but remarkable wave of protests at international universities against the Xi dictatorship. Leaflets also appear in the German city of Goettingen. Opponents and supporters of the protests debate their relevance. But the case of Australian activist Drew Pavlou shows that such actions are indeed a thorn in Beijing's side.
By Marcel Grzanna
From a communicative perspective, the timing of the Chancellor's trip is ideal: After Covid and the Party Congress and before important summit meetings, Olaf Scholz visits Beijing to pioneer and pave the way for urgently necessary dialogue. Even more important than the topics discussed, is the chemistry between Xi and Scholz.
By Experts Table.Briefings
When Olaf Scholz will hold talks in Beijing, things will be tougher for him than for his predecessors. China's understanding of foreign policy has changed. It sees itself as the spearhead of a new global balance of power. Its partners are also feeling this.
By Christiane Kuehl