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The Mekong becomes a contested lifeline

The waters of the Mekong River are becoming the focus of geopolitical altercations. Beijing is proceeding to dam the river's upper reaches and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia in doing so. The US fears that the riparian states are becoming increasingly dependent on the People's Republic, and are beginning to intensify their involvement in the conflict. But responses of the Southeast Asian states are divided, as they fear getting caught in the crossfire in a potential conflict between the superpowers. Could this be a sign that their dependence on China is already too great?

By Frank Sieren

Feature

Clear signals in Tianjin: "China has had enough"

The visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to Tianjin was supposed to prevent any misunderstandings with China. But instead, the People's Republic is using the meeting for a verbal frontal attack. But Beijing is pursuing a larger goal.

By Michael Radunski

Feature

A campaign against private tutoring

Up until now, an investment in China's rapidly growing market for private education was considered a surefire bet. But now Beijing is cracking down on the industry with astonishing aggressiveness. At the stock market, vendors are experiencing a dire situation. However, whether these new rules will actually allow for more free time for stressed students and more equal educational opportunities, is a matter of doubt.

By Redaktion Table

Feature

Incitement against foreign media

A photograph of a Chinese weightlifter is being used as a tool by Chinese diplomats to rally against foreign media. Correspondents reporting from the flooded areas in Henan are being threatened. Affected journalists strongly suspect a deliberate campaign by Chinese authorities.

By Marcel Grzanna

Frank Sieren und Christian Sommer
Feature

"Companies want to do business, not politics"

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are hit heavier by Covid visa regulations than by sanctions between the EU and China, says Christian Sommer, head of the German Centre in Shanghai. Sanctions are of no use, he says, and decoupling does not make sense. Despite all this, China is still dependent on the presence of foreign companies and their employees. But there is no point in forcing Europe to choose between China and the USA. The German Centre is a positive example of how government and business can work together, says Sommer in an interview with Frank Sieren.

By Frank Sieren

Feature

China's Olympic hopes

The Olympic Games in Tokyo have begun. At long last it's no longer just about Covid or scandals, but about points, goals, and gold, silver and bronze. In Rio, China ended up in a disappointing third place in the medal table. In Tokyo, the haul is expected to be much greater. But on whom do China's hopes for gold rest?

By Michael Radunski

Feature

An export model as export product

How has China managed to become the technological innovator it is today? How competitive are China's innovations? Economists from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) and King's College London have analyzed data of over 170,000 Chinese companies. Their findings: The strong export orientation of Chinese firms across all sizes and industries has contributed significantly to their success.

By Felix Lee

Feature

Daimler plans new Gigafactories without Farasis

Daimler is doubling the pace of its electric strategy. The problem: this makes the Stuttgart-based manufacturer more dependent than ever on the reliable procurement of high-quality battery cells. Can Daimler's Chinese partner Farasis deliver as promised? The company apparently has its doubts – and has now announced the construction of its own gigafactories.

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210720 -- ZHENGZHOU, July 20, 2021 -- A car is inundated by rainwater in Zhengzhou, capital of central China s Henan Province, July 20, 2021. More than 144,660 residents have been affected by torrential rains in central China s Henan Province since July 16, and 10,152 have been relocated to safe places, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said Tuesday. A total of 16 large and medium-sized reservoirs have seen water levels rise above the alert level after torrential rains battered most parts of the province on Monday and Tuesday. CHINA-HENAN-ZHENGZHOU-HEAVY RAINFALL CN ZhuxXiang PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
Feature

China relies on sponge cities in its fight against floods

Not only since the current disastrous flooding in the province of Henan has China been aware that large parts of the country are prone to flooding. For a long time, the government's main weapon against these forces of nature was huge dams and dikes. But Beijing's new approach has seen more sealed surfaces being reopened all over Chinese cities. Nevertheless, the vulnerability to storms remains high.

By Jörn Petring

Feature

Cars for the world: China focuses on exports

China's car exports are growing rapidly – and not only in poorer nations. More and more manufacturers are entering the export business. Vehicles are pouring from the People's Republic into all corners of the world. Especially with electric cars, Chinese brands are pushing into new markets, such as Europe. For Chinese manufacturers, this poses new challenges, because the European market has its very own pitfalls.

By Christiane Kuehl