Founded 100 years ago as a peasants' and workers' party, China's Communist Party is now an elite organization. Only one in ten interested people actually manages to become a member. The main motive for applicants: better career opportunities in the network of the influential.
By Felix Lee
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
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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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
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
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
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
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
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 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
