Semiconductors have become the most important supplier parts for many industries. Ning Wang talks to Merics researcher John Lee about the chip shortage in the automotive industry, the prospects for greater independence from Asia in key technologies, and possible strategies for Germany and the EU to deal with the problem.
By Ning Wang
China's coastal cities are facing an enemy that no navy, no matter how large, can defeat: the steadily rising sea level. Major economic centers like Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta are particularly at risk. Shanghai is even the most affected city in the world in terms of population. In a new forecast, the UN warns that emissions must decrease faster to achieve the climate goals.
By Nico Beckert
In the future, China will renounce the obligation to test cosmetic products on animals. This is a huge opportunity for international manufacturers. Until now, companies had to conduct animal tests if they wanted to sell their products in China. However, most suppliers did not do this for ethical reasons. Therefore, they could only sell their products via Hong Kong.
By Frank Sieren
China announced that it will invest its gigantic foreign exchange reserves more heavily in green assets in the future. A rethink is urgently needed because sustainability considerations have hardly played a role in investment decisions so far. According to rumors, the largest fund even wants to invest $19 billion in the oil giant Saudi Aramco. At present, sovereign wealth funds around the world are finding it difficult to switch to green investments: Their profitability is uncertain and the switch entails costs.
By Nico Beckert
The Covid virus did not come from the wild but from a laboratory – that's how current reports read, based on US intelligence sources. Serious scientists, however, see the illnesses of researchers in Wuhan in November 2019 as far from proof of a fatal accident.
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The Chinese battery producer SVOLT wants to invest €1 billion in new factories in Saarland. The company is relying on the skills of German employees and the quality of German machines. European Head Kai-Uwe Wollenhaupt is certain: The drop in battery prices in the coming years will massively increase the demand for EVs in this country.
By Marcel Grzanna
Xi Jinping's goal is clear: China should become a football power. And when the president wants something in the People's Republic, many things become possible: China's entrepreneurs invest billions, buy coaches, players, and entire clubs. Money is not an issue. The results for the new season are devastating: Many clubs are on the verge of going out of business. However, that doesn't necessarily harm the sport.
By Redaktion Table
China is investing a lot of money in the construction of a new Egyptian capital city. With this, Beijing is securing political influence. Additionally, investments in one of the fastest-growing economies should also pay off financially.
By Redaktion Table
The EU Parliament stops working on the investment agreement and demands a withdrawal of the sanctions from Beijing. A paragraph on non-profit organizations such as foundations, NGOs, and associations in the annex to the CAI is still causing uncertainty among those affected. In a briefing today, the EU Commission intends to provide answers to questions from German representatives of foundations and associations.
By Amelie Richter
In Hong Kong, listed companies enjoyed their best start to a year's first quarter regarding share sales so far. Because after China weathered the Covid crisis well, investors are looking for Chinese assets. The crackdown on the protest movement does not seem to be a factor in this space. Local US investment banks are also hiring massively. Parallel worlds are emerging. The US government appears to have no interest in curbing the inflow of US money for political reasons.
By Frank Sieren
