The “14th Five-Year-Plan for National Informatization”, issued in December 2021 by China's Central Commission for Cybersecurity and Informatization, is an ambitious blueprint for China’s digital policy in the coming years. From its focus on securing “core technologies” to its emphasis on “serving the real economy”, the plan reflects general trends in Chinese policy. As the Chinese government is in the midst of a major overhaul of its digital tech sector, this plan is a crucial key to understanding current and future developments.
Von Redaktion Table
The motto for the 2022 Winter Olympics is: "Together for a common future". It sounds more like a fairy tale. In a polarized world, it is extremely difficult to satisfy Chinese and Western interest groups with the same messages. But one thing is certain: China's Olympic history is closely linked to the country's political and economic development and its image on the world stage.
Von Redaktion Table
The organizers of the Winter Olympics promise a carbon-neutral event. As one of the world's biggest polluters, China is under special scrutiny. The IOC praises new sustainability standards. But not only the CO2 footprint plays a role, but also the water consumption caused by the production of artificial snow, the protection of the native fauna, and the long-term use of the Olympic venues.
Von Marcel Grzanna
Inequality is on the rise in China. While some bask in limitless luxury, tens of millions of migrant workers have to make do with meager wages. The leadership wants to fight inequality and has proclaimed "common prosperity" as its goal. What is causing the gap between rich and poor? And is it possible to draw any conclusions for political measures to overcome this inequality?
Von Nico Beckert
