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China (English)

Scholz: Wirecard commitment was routine

In 2019, the German government twice intervened in China on behalf of the scandal company Wirecard. Its market entry was first on the list of German concerns at the Financial Markets Dialogue in January two years ago. Then, in September, the chancellor raised it with top management. In retrospect, that raises questions.

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Geely has big plans for Zeekr

With the new brand Zeekr, the car company Geely wants to roll up the premium segment for EVs. The first model, which is to be launched in China in September, was presented at the Shanghai auto show. And there are big plans: International expansion, including to Europe, is planned for the coming year, as is its own IPO. In 2015, the manufacturer had already failed once with Geely Blue. Can Geely now implement its plans with Zeekr?

By Frank Sieren

China plans to build over 150 airports by 2035

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

The fine art of exerting influence

Western politicians and business leaders are pondering which host gifts they can use to win over potential partners in the People's Republic. The Chinese know how to do this better. For them, handwritten calligraphy is often enough to make a foreigner's heart beat faster. Especially when it is the emperor himself who takes up the brush.

By Redaktion Table

'As a designer, you have more room to maneuver in a Chinese company'

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