German companies are hoping that China will finally relax its strict entry restrictions. But Beijing continues to keep quiet about when it will revise visa rules and quarantine. The less effective Chinese vaccines are likely delaying a decision further.
By Redaktion Table
Boycotts against European companies sanctions in response to political positioning: Beijing is increasingly using its economic power as leverage. The EU wants to improve its ability to defend against blackmail in the future. A think tank has now presented concrete proposals on how to make use of a new anti-coercion instrument in response.
By Amelie Richter
In the Chinese Communist Party, the personal network of relationships builds the basis for climbing to a position of power. In past decades, those who made it to the top were either members of the Youth League or representatives of coastal business interests. Head of state Xi has managed to weaken both factions and build his own empire. But the path to the presidency for life is fraught with danger.
By Marcel Grzanna
The "wrong" title of an academic paper is reason enough for the online professional network LinkedIn to make a user's profile invisible in China. The company defends itself as a strong supporter of freedom of expression but submits to pressure from Beijing. The case of a Swedish LinkedIn user shows how determined the People's Republic is to ban unpleasant topics from discourse.
By Marcel Grzanna
China's companies are more present at the UEFA European Championship, Euro 2020, than ever before. They are appearing as official partners like Alibaba – or as tournament sponsors like TikTok. The advertising presence gets the companies visibility for their global business and, at the same time, supports China's ambitions to host a World Cup itself one day. And since Chinese fans also like to watch the Euro at night, the advertising serves the country's own market as well.
By Christiane Kuehl
The port of Shenzhen is experiencing a double traffic jam after a small COVID-19 outbreak: inside, goods are piling up; outside, freighters are waiting to dock. The consequences for logistics are felt around the globe. Industrial goods are arriving too late in the target markets, and prices are rising. Meanwhile, the Ifo Institute is proposing a simple countermeasure.
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What is the name of the worldwide largest smartphone manufacturer? Samsung, Apple, Huawei? Wrong. The Chinese company BBK Electronics is virtually unknown to consumers, but it produces one out of four mobile phones worldwide. They are sold through a whole range of brands, including Oppo and Vivo.
By Redaktion Table
China is lagging behind its original schedule in introducing a nationwide Social Credit System. The system consists of scattered field trials that mainly regulate the economic exchange of companies. Currently, political control of individuals is not the focus, but that may change quite quickly as of now. The population is welcoming the introduction rather than criticizing it.
By Frank Sieren
China's viticulture is growing, first and foremost in Ningxia, western China. By 2023, China wants to have as many grape-growing areas as the traditional growing country Germany. Chinese wines are winning more and more international awards. This also impacts European exports: The more China grows itself, the less it has to import. As early as 2020, 25 percent less was imported, even though consumption remained almost the same. For Germany, China is one of the five most important markets.
By Frank Sieren
In a few days, the Chinese Communist Party will celebrate its centenary. In an interview, sinologist Klaus Muehlhahn explains the success story, which for a long time was not a success – and its effects up to the present day: Historical ruptures continue to determine the actions of the leadership around Xi Jinping. Michael Radunski spoke with Muehlhahn.
By Michael Radunski
