Officially, the Chinese government's position is to open itself to the world. In reality, however, it has launched a decoupling from the West on numerous levels, which is distancing the People's Republic further and further from the rest of the world economically, culturally and socially. A deliberate side effect is the continuously growing nationalism.
By Marcel Grzanna
Italy scrutinizes investments from China relatively strictly. Several Chinese projects have been blocked in recent years. After the parliamentary elections on September 25, however, this trend could intensify significantly. This is because the poll-leading right-wing populist alliance around Giorgia Meloni is highly critical of close ties with China.
By Amelie Richter
Liz Truss is the UK's new prime minister. She has taken a hard line toward China after a shift in sentiment in the United Kingdom. She might classify the country as a "threat" and the events in Xinjiang as "genocide" – a departure from the policy of her predecessors. At the same time, however, she remains dependent on trade with China.
By Michael Radunski
After pressure from multiple sides, the controversial Confucius Institutes began to close in the US in 2020. More than 100 of the language and cultural institutions officially ceased their work in recent years. Now, it seems, some of them are back – just with a new name and a new look.
By Amelie Richter
The news of Liz Truss' appointment as the new British prime minister has been met with concern in Brussels. So far, the EU has not had good experiences with the conservative Tory politician, who often references Margaret Thatcher.
By Eric Bonse
The Nature Restoration Law and, in particular, the pesticide regulation are among the most controversial projects to be negotiated. Above all, German farmers see their livelihoods threatened by these plans. In addition, the Commission intends to present a legal framework for the certification of carbon sinks in November. Trilogues have begun for the LULUCF Regulation.
By Timo Landenberger
Italy scrutinizes Chinese investments comparatively strictly. Several Chinese projects have been stopped in recent years. After the parliamentary elections on September 25, however, this trend could intensify significantly. This is because the favored right-wing populist alliance around Giorgia Meloni opposes close ties with China.
By Amelie Richter
Beijing no longer allows its solvent middle class to leave the country. Vacations abroad have thus become a distant dream for the Chinese – the once most popular destinations are already feeling the effects.
By Redaktion Table
VDA President Hildegard Müller analyzes the impacts of the new geopolitical risks. There must be no turning away from globalization, she warns in an interview with Lukas Scheid and Markus Grabitz. And she warns the EU Commission to go overboard on the cost for consumers of the Green Deal.
By Redaktion Table
In recent years, China has built more wind turbines than any other country. But the turbines are slowly reaching the end of their life-cycle. They are either dismantled or replaced by new turbines, which poses a huge recycling problem for China. So far, there is no adequate recycling system for the rotor blades.
By Nico Beckert
