Table.Briefings

Feature

Green finance – Beijing's green credentials are deceptive

On Thursday and Friday almost 40 heads of state and government will meet at the invitation of the US president for a virtual climate summit. Xi Jinping is also expected to attend. China is a global leader in the field of green finance, i.e. green investments to restructure the economy. The problem is that in the People's Republic green bonds may also be used for "clean coal", "clean oil and gas". This is hardly compatible with climate targets. However, the authorities are striving for reform.

By Nico Beckert

German carmakers under pressure in China

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

Hunting criminals with artificial intelligence

China's judicial authorities want to integrate artificial intelligence into everyday legal practice in the future. This offers great opportunities for the growing "legal tech" market. Especially in the field of data analysis, its use is already advanced. But what makes the work of lawyers and judges easier also harbors risks.

By Frank Sieren

China's vaccination diplomacy – charity with ulterior motives

From Asia to Latin America to Europe, China's vaccine diplomacy is causing a stir worldwide. The People's Republic has now pledged half a billion vaccine doses to the countries of the world. But the help does not come for free. Sometimes it's about territorial claims, sometimes about 5G networks or the end of diplomatic ties. In Brazil, Beijing is pulling off a real masterstroke. That has repercussions for the entire continent.

By Michael Radunski

Brussels wants to protect itself against economic blackmail

Europe wants to defend itself against economic coercion by other countries. The EU Commission plans to present a new "anti-coercion instrument" by the end of the year. The discussion about the right instruments is starting now. Brussels' intention behind the mechanism: It is about deterrence – not least in the direction of China. What options does the EU Commission have at its disposal?

By Amelie Richter

EU as a savior in times of need? China wants its money back

The EU is not prepared to help Montenegro repay a Chinese loan. It's about almost €1 billion for the construction of a motorway, which Western institutions assessed early on as not worthwhile. Is Europe missing a great opportunity to strengthen pro-European forces in the Western Balkans and instead leaving the field to Beijing?

By Marcel Grzanna

US senators plan 'Lex China'

The US Parliament takes the initiative for a more aggressive China policy. Among other things, the US government should take tougher action against intellectual property theft and protect Taiwan. At the same time, the US should rely on means that China already uses.

By Felix Lee

Pressure from Beijing: Alibaba places services on Tencent's platform

They are arch-rivals and seal off their platforms from each other: China's tech giants Alibaba and Tencent. But now Beijing is getting serious about the fight against digital monopolies. For better or worse, the two will have to cooperate. Alibaba made the first step and now applied for a mini-program on Tencent's mega app WeChat for its online store Taobao Deals. What does Beijing's action mean for the private platform economy in the People's Republic?

By Christiane Kuehl

Anta – the patriotic sports outfitter

The world's largest sportswear manufacturers Nike and Adidas are plagued by boycott concerns in their China business. Their Chinese competitor Anta Sports, meanwhile, is actively sourcing cotton from Xinjiang. A strategy that could become a problem internationally for the main supplier of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.

By Redaktion Table

Taiwan: all sides gear up

Taiwan tensions between China and the US are rising rapidly. Both sides are increasing their military presence in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing is pushing into Taiwan's airspace with an ever-increasing military force. But Taipei is also arming itself. Next week Democrats and Republicans in the US Senate will debate a bill that could further strengthen the United States' ties with Taiwan.

By Felix Lee