Table.Briefings

Feature

Liao Yiwu

'That is why China's leadership fears the truth'

Liao Yiwu is one of the most renowned Chinese authors. Due to his critical views of the Chinese government, his books are banned in China. With "Wuhan – A Documentary Novel" he has now published a new book. Speaking with Michael Radunski, Liao Yiwu talks about Covid, the truth in China, and the consequences for foreign countries.

By Michael Radunski

Not child's play: DSA is on the home stretch

The upcoming trilogue on the Digital Services Act on April 22 is supposed to be the final one, and the players are actually in agreement on that: two days before the second round of the French presidential elections, a signal is supposed to go out that Europe is capable of acting. However, the questions that are still unanswered are a tough one.

By Falk Steiner

Sustainable investment: the problem of the arms industry

After the EU Commission classified gas and nuclear as "green" investments in its climate taxonomy despite strong opposition, the next dispute is looming. This is about the "social" taxonomy. It is supposed to define minimum social standards of the financial classification system, such as ethical supply chains and decent working conditions. With the start of the war in Ukraine, one sector of the economy is now particularly explosive: the arms industry.

By Redaktion Table

Luckin Coffee China

Luckin Coffee triumphs over Starbucks

Chinese brands are overtaking former Western heavyweights. One example is Luckin Coffee. Starbucks used to dominate the market for on-the-go coffee. Now, a domestic competitor is taking over. The ingredients are the same as in other sectors: A better sense of the market and a head start on digitization. Zero Covid speeds up the shift.

By Redaktion Table

Corn: Potential crop failure could impact global market

The next few weeks will be crucial for China's spring sowing season. But Beijing's zero-covid strategy hits the agricultural sector hard. In the northeastern province of Jilin in particular, where a lot of corn is grown, sowing might not happen at all this year. This adds to the problematic situation around the world.

By Ning Wang

Taiwan Militär Handbuch

In Ukraine's shadow: Taiwan rethinks its strategy

Taipei is on high alert, not only since the Russian invasion of Ukraine - however, the war in Europe has sparked a debate in Taiwan about extending conscription. But experts say that is impossible in the short term. For reservists, however, refresher training has already been overhauled. One participant recounts his impressions of the "toughest training in the history" of the island for China.Table.

By Redaktion Table

Gas crisis: the critical importance of coordination

In the event of a gas embargo, the key deciding factor would be the level of solidarity among the EU member states. However, experts are skeptical that the necessary institutions can be installed for a short-term supply freeze.

By Manuel Berkel

Health Data Space: Experts plead for one-stop shop

The EU Commission is still wrestling with a legal framework for the European Health Data Space. In this hot phase, the experts of the TEHDAS Joint Action are publishing one report after another to support the Commission in its efforts. In doing so, they advocate for one point of contact for health data per member state.

By Eugenie Ankowitsch

Alessandro's odyssey through Shanghai

An Italian shares his day-to-day life in a quarantine center in Shanghai with the world. His story is absurdly funny, but tragic at the same time. Alessandro Pavanello describes how his life changed after a positive test.

By Redaktion Table

Uncertainties in the closed loop

To keep production going despite China's zero-covid policy, companies in affected regions have employees sleep in groups on site after work. The closed-loop method is supposed to keep the virus out. But this only works as long as companies still receive preliminary products.

By Christiane Kuehl