Table.Briefings

Feature

EU must justify itself: How did the sentence on foundations get into the CAI?

The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) contains a single sentence with impact: The wording that Beijing has the possibility of having a say in the appointment of leaders of foreign foundations and non-profit organizations in the future. This sentence continues to cause lasting uncertainty. EU circles are trying to calm things down, but at the same time, they are making it clear that the passage has been agreed upon and that there will be no further negotiations. How the paragraph found its way into the agreement remains vague. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is preparing to formally postpone the agreement.

By Amelie Richter

Ein Auto der Marke Seres im Huawei-Flaggschiffstore in einem Huawei-Store

Huawei stores evolve into car dealers

Until now, Huawei sold mainly smartphones in its stores. But the US sanctions are forcing the Chinese tech giant to rethink. A visit to the flagship store in Shenzhen shows how resolutely it is pursuing its push into the car industry.

By Redaktion Table

The Philippines on their way back to Team USA

The Philippines swung towards China under President Rodrigo Duterte. But despite new economic ties, China continues to press islands in Manila's exclusive economic zone, currently at Whitsun Reef. Now Duterte is moving closer to the US again. Verbally, however, the president allowed his ministers to push ahead.

By Christiane Kuehl

China stands up for Palestinians

In the past, China has kept a very low profile in the Middle East conflict. After the latest outbreak of violence, Beijing is taking a more active role. There are various motives behind this: China wants to present itself as a responsible great power and, at the same time score points with Muslim states in the region. The US is portrayed as a disruptive factor for peace.

By Redaktion Table

Fight against forced labor drives up organic cotton prices

The cotton harvest in Xinjiang is suspected of forced labor. Many buyers thus avoid yarn from China. But raw material prices are rising, and soon consumers will feel the effects. However, there is no alternative to higher prices in a severe fight against forced labor.

By Marcel Grzanna

Exit out of the sanctions trap: 'We're simply filling the CAI with life!'

Joerg Wuttke in conversation with Frank Sieren: The President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China believes sanctions are wrong, argues for pushing ahead with the investment agreement, and sees only limited European political influence on China. While the EU should protect itself against unfair competition from Chinese state-owned enterprises, it should see competition from private companies as an incentive. The goal of the policy should be a prosperous China. At the same time, Wuttke warns Beijing not to squander its opportunities out of overconfidence.

By Frank Sieren

Chinese EV brands: German consumers show skepticism

More and more Chinese EV manufacturers are pushing into Europe. Their market share is still insignificant. China.Table surveyed to determine the relationship between German consumers and Chinese car brands. The result: great skepticism. However, experience shows that brands from the Far East can crack the difficult German market with price arguments.

By Frank Sieren

Competition for SpaceX from the Far East

Private space travel is booming in China. A high-tech industry with a future. Providers are hoping for international customers for space services, such as those previously offered by companies from the USA or India. That is why the Chinese provinces are competing with each other and investing billions. However, the question of how private the companies actually are could cause problems.

By Redaktion Table

Census: fewer babies and more elderly

China's population is growing as slowly as in times of the 1950s famine. This poses immense challenges for the economy and the social system. Sales growth of products for younger people is likely to gradually decrease. And the rise to global power will become much more difficult.

By Felix Lee

Quarrel with Australia: Beijing develops ore mines in Guinea

The steel industry has a large share of China's rapid growth. The country is the largest importer of iron ore. However, China obtains the raw material primarily from Australia, a country with which the People's Republic has been in conflict for more than a year. Beijing is now looking primarily to Guinea in West Africa to diversify its sources. But the situation there is difficult. With no quick alternative, Australia and China will have to come to an agreement in the foreseeable future. They just can't get along without each other.

By Frank Sieren