Uncertainty in Hong Kong has increased further since the new chief executive John Lee took office. Even German citizens are censoring themselves as a precaution because they are not sure where the authorities draw political red lines. The consequences are emigration and a growing shortage of skilled workers. But the city seems more concerned with spreading political mantra than economic confidence.
By Ning Wang
Wherever criticism of China is voiced during the 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, diplomats from the People's Republic are close. They hijack panel discussions with minute-long statements and take down the names of all opposing speakers. Through its influence on other UN bodies, the country denies accreditation to UN participants it does not want to speak out. Instead, Chinese organizations under the guise of independence increasingly claim more speaking time.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Indian government has now officially recognized that carbon markets and emissions trading are to play an important role in decarbonization. A law to this effect is to be passed at the end of the year. Many details are still unclear, but trading could begin from mid-2023.
By Redaktion Table
When China's President Xi Jinping announced a halt to the construction of new coal projects abroad at the UN General Assembly in September 2021, the global community breathed a sigh of relief. A year later, the loopholes in the promise are becoming apparent: even today, new coal-fired power plants are still being built with Chinese support. Nevertheless, the announcement remains a positive signal for climate policy. And China wants to invest more in renewables abroad in the future.
By Nico Beckert
The coal phase-out in South Africa is seen as a test case of how industrialized countries can help emerging economies with rapid and socially cushioned climate protection. A year ago, the Europeans and the USA promised the African state $8.5 billion for the Just Transition Energy Partnership. So far, costs and details have remained vague. Now South Africa has presented its price tag for the green transition.
By Bernhard Pötter
In his first report, new UN Special Rapporteur Ian Fry, responsible for human rights in climate change, criticizes the deadlock in climate negotiations. He calls for hotly contested measures: A fund to repair climate-related damage, outlawing fossil fuels, a tribunal against fossil fuel investors. At the upcoming climate summit, his arguments will cause a stir.
By Alexandra Endres
Michael Gahler, foreign policy spokesman for the EPP Group, doubts that Russia's President Putin will be able to mobilize the announced 300,000 troops. The West should continue to support Ukraine, he demands in an interview by Ella Joyner – and to jointly deliver 200 Leopard tanks.
By Ella Joyner
In the face of rising energy and food prices across Germany and Europe, voices from politics and industry are growing louder calling for less disruptive climate and environmental policies. Stricter environmental regulations and high carbon prices are being met with more criticism than ever before. And criticism is also increasingly being heard in the crisis.
By Lukas Knigge
German companies are some of the biggest investors in China. Some are spending tens of billions on new projects. Analysts warn of increasing risks. But for the big players, growth in China is still just too tempting. Meanwhile, the Chinese sites of German companies continue to decouple themselves from the rest of the world.
By Nico Beckert
The China euphoria of earlier years has given way to great skepticism. Among European companies, there is now a sense of China fatigue in the face of never-ending Zero-Covid measures, which sparked a whole series of economic problems. A new position paper of the EU Chamber in China makes this obvious.
By Christiane Kuehl
