Volkswagen's new ID.4 electric SUV has not been very popular in its most important market. At least it's safe to say that the debut has been a flop. From the customer's point of view, the strong Chinese competition simply offers more in terms of technology. Nevertheless, VW remains confident and is already betting on further models in the ID series.
By Felix Lee
One of Germany's best-known journalists and a long-time China correspondent have joined forces to write the first comprehensive biography of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China. And its title also serves as a thesis: "Xi Jinping – the most powerful man in the world". China.Table exclusively publishes a chapter from the new book by Stefan Aust and Adrian Geiges.
By Redaktion Table
Today, on its 100th anniversary, the Communist leadership faces a major dilemma. It wants to consolidate its power and the order of the country. At the same time, it needs to allow more and more free-market economy since economic prosperity legitimizes its power. But this requires opening up to the world. The fact that this dilemma cannot be solved by ideological concepts, but in the end only by trial and error, was demonstrated by the reformer Deng Xiaoping. But it won't be any easier for the party to reconcile the two.
By Frank Sieren
In the course of an exercise, the Chinese navy has, for the first time, penetrated into a sea area where one of the most important strategic US bases is located. The military saber-rattling continues. The Americans are steering against it by sending their best-equipped aircraft carrier to the region. Is a confrontation looming?
By Frank Sieren
In his speech on the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping stresses that China is open to constructive criticism from other countries and is striving for a collective, peaceful world order. However, then his tone changes: The time to lecture or even bully China from a high horse is over. To defend itself, China needs a strong army. Lastly, Taiwan belongs to the mainland.
By Frank Sieren
The prices for iron ore, metals or crude oil keep rising. China is one of the largest importers and consumers of these raw materials. Many companies pass on the increased prices to their customers. Inflation is rising and small producers are perishing from the price increase. The government is beginning to take countermeasures and is throwing strategic reserves onto the market.
By Christiane Kuehl
Trade with the People's Republic is booming, and the financial year 2021 promises new records. Nevertheless, criticism of the current China strategy is growing in Switzerland. Can the country maintain its famous neutrality even though it is bound to the People's Republic by a free trade agreement? A dilemma for the Swiss.
By Amelie Richter
The Chinese battery manufacturer SVOLT wants to start serial production in Saarland by 2024 at the latest. Nevertheless, European head Kai-Uwe Wollenhaupt warns of a battery bottleneck due to the enormous demand. He recommends car manufacturers to secure capacities now. However, SVOLT will not plunge the competition into a price war, the Dortmund native promises in an interview with China.Table. Marcel Grzanna conducted the interview.
By Marcel Grzanna
Anyone who wants to process data of European citizens in China or data from China abroad will have to be even more careful in the future. Otherwise, they could face severe penalties. Two new laws seem to make China more like the EU – but the situation is now even more complicated for companies.
By Falk Steiner
With the takeover of the Beijing real estate group Soho China, the US private equity company Blackstone has made its largest real estate deal in China to date. The takeover cost a good $3 billion. This is already the third billion-dollar deal with China in just a few months. Other large financial companies are also expanding in China.
By Frank Sieren
