China's foreign policy has so far followed a clear pattern: economic aid is followed by political influence. And then? In Djibouti, Beijing's next step is apparent. The state of the Horn of Africa could serve as a template for many other countries.
By Michael Radunski
The increasing number of IPOs of Chinese companies abroad is apparently a thorn in Beijing's side. Officials claim that there is great concern that foreign powers - for example in the US - could access their collected data. It is not yet clear whether the tightened rules are about a power struggle between the state and the private sector, or whether the state is actually committed to protecting its citizens' personal data. It's quite possible that both is true.
By Frank Sieren
According to Harvard University, 93 percent of the Chinese population is satisfied with the work of their central government. But figures of social-science studies in an authoritarian-ruled country should be taken with a pinch of salt. There are enough reasons to doubt their validity.
By Marcel Grzanna
China, which has been sanctioned by the USA, wants to become more independent of foreign countries in the field of semiconductor technology and is already putting its money where its mouth is. In the past five months alone, it has raised a total of six billion US dollars for new investments in the sector. While China is quick to implement and create capacity, it is technically lagging behind South Korea, the island of Taiwan and the US. The auto industry is watching the semiconductor arms race closely.
By Frank Sieren
Slovenia took over the EU Council presidency at the beginning of July. While the rest of Europe is either at odds with China or striving for particularly good relations, the small country is showing itself to be decidedly relaxed here and is not joining in the polarisation. Far East policy is therefore at the bottom of the agenda, contrary to the trend. Meanwhile criticism of Prime Minister Janša is being voiced in Brussels. He lacks the necessary credibility vis-à-vis Beijing because of weaknesses in the rule of law. France therefore wants to monitor him closely.
By Amelie Richter
Spirits were high when the stock of Chinese ride-hailing service Didi went public in New York. However, just two days later Beijing started a crackdown campaign against the company. Western investors are becoming increasingly skeptical about Chinese IPOs.
By Redaktion Table
Following the state-enforced closure of the Apple Daily newspaper, other China-critical media in Hong Kong are also fearing for their future. The National Security Act hangs over the editorial offices like a sword of Damocles. Even the renowned South China Morning Post is rumoured to be sold to a Chinese investor loyal to the state, who could turn it into an instrument for Beijing's propaganda.
By Marcel Grzanna
The trial of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou is set to come to a decision this week. The trial of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei 's daughter, who has been placed under house arrest in Canada since December 2018, is taking a turn: Meng's lawyers now present HSBC transcripts, which intent to prove that the bank was fully aware and that the U.S. government misappropriated facts.
By Frank Sieren
Beijing's climate ambitions are great. Emissions trading is to be one of the building blocks for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The start of trading in CO2 certificates was planned for the end of June, but was postponed several times. However, there is hardly anything left of Beijing's ambitious plans after numerous downgrades. Experts even doubt whether trading in this form can make any significant contribution at all to reducing the immense emissions.
By Nico Beckert
It is also in the interest of German companies if the human rights situation in Xinjiang improves, says Kristin Shi-Kupfer, professor of sinology and religions expert at the University of Trier. At the same time, she considers it doubtful when Volkswagen pretends to know nothing about what is happening in the region. Felix Lee spoke with Shi-Kupfer.
By Felix Lee
