China's government has no problem with draconian curfews, but is hesitant to impose mandatory vaccinations for the elderly. The latter often reject the immunization for fear of side effects. Moreover, authorities get in each other's way, preventing a successful vaccination campaign.
By Redaktion Table
Where hundreds of guests used to come in and out each day, the doors are now locked most of the time: The Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai is now a quarantine hotel. General Manager Gregor Wateler hopes the luxury establishment can resume normal operations by the end of the month. Frank Sieren spoke with Wateler.
By Frank Sieren
The CO2 cap-and-trade mechanism is one of the most important instruments for decarbonizing the industry and protecting against carbon leakage. However, the German government has so far neglected the issue. Industry and climate activists alike are now criticizing this move.
By Lukas Knigge
Switzerland always wanted to be the "battery of Europe". Russia's war in Ukraine is now heightening concerns about supply bottlenecks for electricity and gas. The unresolved relationship with the EU also plays a role.
By Stephan Israel
The German city of Nuremberg will present its International Human Rights Award to Sayragul Sauytbay on Sunday. The Chinese woman with Kazakh roots was the first to publicly testify about human rights violations in Xinjiang. Despite Chinese threats of economic consequences, the ceremony will take place.
By Marcel Grzanna
Joe Biden will travel to Asia for the first time since he took office as US president. Despite the Ukraine war, the dispute with China remains an important element of US policy. Washington wants to prevent China from attacking the Western-dominated "rules-based order". To its allies in the region, Washington wants to make new economic cooperation palatable.
By Christiane Kuehl
The second round of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is about to begin: On May 14 and 15, the representatives of the US and EU sides will continue their discussions. The talks are expected to focus on supply chain issues and sustainability.
By Falk Steiner
The EU budget commissioner argues for an accelerated admission of Ukraine and an expansion of the EU in the Western Balkans. The conditions for Ukraine's membership would have to be linked to a multi-billion reconstruction program. He does not expect financial sanctions against Hungary via the rule of law mechanism until the second half of the year, says Johannes Hahn in an interview with Hans-Peter Siebenhaar.
By Redaktion Table
The EU needs to invest an additional €195 billion to become independent of Russian energy supplies by 2027. According to an internal document, the Commission is also pushing for a coordinated emergency plan for industrial shutdowns.
By Manuel Berkel
China's zero-Covid policy brings tough restrictions for companies. But they also benefit from measures that would be unimaginable in the West: Workers are isolated from the outside world. They stay overnight and live in or directly at the factories so that they do not catch Covid-19 during their commute or at home. First protests are mounting against this practice.
By Nico Beckert
