Table.Briefings

Feature

'European Integration' as Europe's unique selling point in Africa

Every three years, the political leaders of China and African countries meet at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. This is the highest-level meeting between the nations. It will be held again in November, but an exact date has not yet been set. Nico Beckert spoke with Marina Rudyak from Heidelberg University about China's lending in Africa, the New Silk Road, and African demands on China.

By Nico Beckert

EU Supply Chain Law: von der Leyen's push without a plan

The EU Commission can't quite get its supply chain law off the ground. The Brussels-based authority missed the October deadline for the presentation of its so-called Due Diligence Law. One reason: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to use the supply chain law to enforce a ban on imports of products from forced labor. This could also affect some Chinese imports.

By Charlotte Wirth

Der elektrische Hongqi E-HS9 SUV

The Red Flag plans to conquer Europe

Luxury carmaker FAW wants to turn the patriotic luxury brand Hongqi into China's first global EV export hit. The selling point of models like the S9 and L5 is primarily their rarity. However, it is still a ways off from the Chinese S-Class.

By Frank Sieren

Forced labor: von der Leyen's questionable advance

The Commission misses the October deadline for presenting the law on corporate due diligence. As if there weren't enough points of contention already, the Commission President has now interfered: von der Leyen wants to use the law to enforce a ban on imports of products from forced labor. This would actually require a trade instrument.

By Charlotte Wirth

COP26: Who pays for climate protection?

A week before the start of COP26, the commitment of some industrialized countries is slowly gaining momentum. A report on the US$100 billion target indicates that the willingness to take financial responsibility for climate change is increasing. Nevertheless, the targets will not be met for the time being. Higher contributions are expected primarily from the private sector.

By Lukas Knigge

Study: biometric mass surveillance on the rise in the EU

A new study commissioned by the Greens/EFA group shows that the use of biometric surveillance technology is increasing in the EU, despite the lack of a legal framework. The authors make seven recommendations on how the EU should regulate the controversial technology.

By Jasmin Kohl

Hong Kong's megaplan of a new metropolis

Up to now, much of Hong Kong's business life has taken place around Victoria Harbour. But now a huge new center is to be built in the very north of the special administrative region. The financial metropolis and the neighboring city of Shenzhen are growing together.

By Redaktion Table

More socialist values for families

China is about to introduce a law to promote families. But this is not only met with approval – because the bill includes new thumbscrews for parents. They are to be held accountable for their children's bad behavior. Not a very far-sighted plan for an emerging superpower.

By Ning Wang

Dr. Niels Peter Thomas

"There is no question of isolation"

Niels Peter Thomas heads the China business of Springer Nature, one of the world's leading academic publishers. He talks with China.Table about the state of Chinese research and its publishing practices. Thomas observes a leap in the general quality of publications by Chinese scientists. This is also bringing a boost in international renown, especially as more and more papers are made in collaboration with Western institutions. Thomas also explains whether artificial intelligence will soon replace human authors. The interview was conducted by Frank Sieren.

By Frank Sieren