No other country is building new airports as fast as China. By 2035, their number is set to rise from 241 at present to 400. The government sees a need to catch up, especially in smaller cities. The train network and highways are also to be greatly expanded. If the infrastructure plans are implemented, the construction boom will continue unabated.
By Redaktion Table
At the end of May, the newly elected Tibetan government-in-exile will take office. In an interview with China.Table, the Dalai Lama's former special envoy, Kelsang Gyaltsen, explains the challenges facing the Tibetans. He notes a growing distancing of the world. The Tibetans also place hope in cooperation with the Uyghurs.
By Marcel Grzanna
Wolfgang Egger is one of the world's leading car designers. He has developed the Q7 SUV for Audi, the R8 sports car, and the first Audi E-tron concept. At Alfa Romeo, he was responsible for the design of the 8C Competizione, among other things. That could have been enough – but it wasn't enough for him. Now, in his late fifties, Egger is "in the middle of by far the most exciting task of my life," as he says. Since 2016, he has been chief designer at the southern Chinese manufacturer BYD. At the Shanghai auto show, Egger unveiled BYD's new EA-1 compact car, which is designed to rival Volkswagen's ID3, for example. A conversation about iconic compact cars, Chinese design, and what makes working in the People's Republic different from working in Europe.
By Frank Sieren
Xi Jinping will attend Joe Biden's climate summit starting today. China wants to become climate neutral by 2060, but its climate record so far is very contradictory. While Beijing is investing heavily in renewable energy, it is also spending heavily on heavy industry. At the climate summit, Xi is expected to commit to a more ambitious climate strategy.
By Christiane Kuehl
A flying taxi can be seen at Auto Shanghai for the first time. And it is, of all things, a German product from the company Volocopter. The vehicle is presented by the Chinese car company Geely, which has invested in the German start-up. It may well be that people will soon get used to seeing air taxis at car shows. Because last week, the Chinese aviation regulator began the approval process for the everyday operation of flying taxis.
By Frank Sieren
The protected domestic market is an ideal growth and innovation environment for Chinese firms. When they enter the global market, they have massive advantages, warn think tank ECFR and Rhodium Group in a joint study. Sectors such as solar, rail networks, and telecommunications are particularly threatened by Chinese competition. In the paper, the analysts point out concrete solutions on how the EU Commission can act against China's home advantage.
By Amelie Richter
China's market for e-cigarettes has grown rapidly in recent years. However, the gold-rush mood could soon be over: Beijing is planning to regulate the domestic market. Companies like Relx are also encountering difficulties abroad. The industry is facing sweeping change.
By Ning Wang
With around 1000 exhibitors, the "Auto Shanghai" is the largest car show in the world. German suppliers present their new electric cars in elaborate shows, with which they want to come out of the defensive. Many models have been specially designed or adapted for the Chinese market.
By Frank Sieren
For years, several federal ministries have been arguing about the content of the expanded IT security law. The bone of contention is the Chinese network supplier Huawei, which is currently facing espionage allegations from Holland. Now the coalition factions have changed the government's draft. But experts have doubts about the effectiveness of the law.
By Marcel Grzanna
In the world's largest growth market for EVs, German carmakers are still lagging behind despite great efforts. No German brand was among the ten best-selling models in 2020, while domestic manufacturers continued to extend their lead. This is because Chinese buyers have different purchasing priorities than Germans. Trends and market opportunities are on show at "Auto China", the world's largest car show with over 1000 exhibitors, which is taking place this week in Shanghai.
By Frank Sieren
