Starting Sept. 1, all employers in China must pay social insurance contributions for all employees. The new rule is intended to end the gray zone of "voluntary waiver," but it will hit small businesses and low-income workers particularly hard.
Von Blanka Xia
In the trial of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, his lawyer defended support for individual rights in his closing argument on Wednesday. Prosecutors say there is "overwhelming evidence" against Lai.
Von Manuel Liu
On his trip to Indonesia, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is discussing ways to reduce German companies’ dependence on China. He describes the world’s third-largest democracy as an "emerging economic power."
Von Sara Sievert
China plans to draw Afghanistan more tightly into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and begin mining projects there later this year. The focus is on rich lithium, copper and iron reserves.
Von Julia Fiedler
Von Helene Bubrowski, Franziska Klemenz
