Table.Briefings

Feature

Twitter purchase: much ado about Musk

For weeks, this has been the subject of much excited commentary: Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has made a takeover bid for Twitter. Now the offer seems successful – but the self-proclaimed free speech activist is buying a platform that will be subject to even more regulation in the future.

By Falk Steiner

China's companies hold back in Europe

According to a new study, direct investment from the People's Republic increased last year but remains at a relatively low level. Beijing's "zero covid" policy is responsible for this – but so are deterrent rules in the EU.

By Amelie Richter

The shopping spree of state-owned enterprises is over

Global direct investment from the People's Republic increased only marginally last year, a team of researchers from the think tank Merics and Rhodium Group reported in a recent study. FDI in Europe is far from previous peaks. New EU rules could further dampen investment appetite.

By Amelie Richter

Hongkong Biontech

Will the Biontech approval gain new momentum?

There is a mysterious gap in China's Covid strategy: While other countries have stripped the disease of its terror through mRNA vaccination, China clings to expensive and excruciating lockdowns as its only remedy for Omicron. But now the approval of BioNTech's vaccine could gain momentum.

By

Pharma: Pressure grows continuously

The expectations that companies deal with sustainability risks are increasing. The pressure is also growing in the pharmaceutical industry. At first glance, the highly regulated industry does not need to worry too much in the so-called ESG area. However, controversies are looming, especially when it comes to social criteria.

By Eugenie Ankowitsch

Macron and the long to-do list of the Council Presidency

From the war in Ukraine to the global minimum tax and EU reform, the French presidency still has a lot to do after President Emmanuel Macron's re-election. The European agenda is full to the brim – but it is unclear whether Macron will be able to "govern through" as usual until the end of June because the parliamentary elections in his own country will demand a lot of his attention.

By Eric Bonse

How Chinese feel about their studies in Germany

Chinese students in Germany usually have a hard time adjusting to everyday life in Germany. Greater personal responsibility and language barriers are hurdles on the way to better integration. Still, many of them have a positive view of their stay after returning to China.

By Frank Sieren

Peking Corona Massentests

Omicron wave rolls: Beijing fears 'grim' times

Mass tests, panic buying, first residential blocks on lockdown. It seems that the Omicron variant has reached the Chinese capital. Even the authorities are warning of "grim times" for China's capital. The situation threatens to spiral out of control – and could also become a threat to President Xi Jinping.

By Michael Radunski

Null-Covid Strategie Shanghai - Kosten

Zero Covid burdens domestic trade and logistics

Experts try to predict the economic costs of the lockdown in China. Affected municipalities have to bear high costs and suffer from production cutbacks. Zero Covid is also a logistical nightmare. And problems in the transport sector further exacerbate the situation.

By Christiane Kuehl

CAI: Agreement remains on hold despite China's concession

After decades of coaxing, Beijing has signed two international conventions against forced labor. The timing is intentional: UN representatives are set to visit the problem region of Xinjiang in May. The EU Commission, however, is unimpressed with the investment agreement.

By Amelie Richter