Table.Briefings

Feature

Drones – from farming to military

The number of flying hours of Chinese drones increased by more than 30 percent in the past year. They are increasingly used in agriculture, environmental protection and parcel delivery. However, unclear legislation is still holding back development. Demand for combat drones made in China is also growing, especially in non-democratic states.

By Frank Sieren

Hong Kong investigates former Danish minister

The National Security Law for Hong Kong is unprecedented in its global reach. Lawyers speak of a "seed of fear" that is sowed abroad. Among those targeted is former Danish Culture Minister Uffe Elbaek, who helped a democracy activist flee Hong Kong.

By Marcel Grzanna

Risks of the New Silk Road

The New Silk Road leads to new debts for developing and emerging countries. But there is no Chinese master plan behind it. China is also taking high financial and reputational risks.

By Nico Beckert

HNA insolvency burdens Hahn Airport

Following the insolvency of major investor HNA, the state government of Rhineland-Palatinate is striving to find a solution for Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Whether Hainan Airlines survives the restructuring of HNA's affiliated companies in the midst of the coronavirus crisis remains uncertain.

By

Beijing's handling of the crisis: an impression

One year after the WHO declared a "health emergency of international concern" over the Covid outbreak in Wuhan, China.Table compiles positions on China's crisis management: How do the Chinese assess the situation? What political, economic and human rights consequences do EU parliamentarians, economists, political scientists and human rights activists see?

By Redaktion Table

Nio to close technology gap

The market value of EV maker Nio grew by more than 1000 percent in 2020. A sedan with a solid-state battery, a novel battery swap concept and the development of a community are expected to boost sales further. The company plans to enter the European market in the second half of 2021.

By Redaktion Table

Starting signal for emissions trading

On Monday, the long-planned Emissions Trading System (ETS) will be launched in China. For now, only companies from the energy sector will participate. Standards and prices are set low to keep the entry hurdle low. Stricter rules mean that heavy industry won't be able to avoid the program.

By Christiane Kuehl

Biontech: rocky start in China

Covid vaccine from Biontech will be delivered in China in February. Nevertheless, Chinese state media and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been criticizing the product, which will be manufactured and marketed in cooperation with Fosun, for days. Leading Chinese scientists now denounce the lack of transparency in Chinese vaccines and tests.

By Frank Sieren

From 'overtourism' to visitor slump

Chinese tourists were ridiculed in many places in Europe. Now that they are staying away because of Covid, the tourism industry is suffering. In Switzerland and Berlin, the number of overnight stays by guests from the Far East fell by up to 98 percent last year compared to the same period in the previous year. In China, there are strict quarantine rules for returning travelers.

By Felix Lee

Hong Kong opposition hopes for sanctions

Hong Kong activists push for help from Berlin, for example, with sanctions against Carrie Lam or more scholarships for young students. But the Germans point to responsibilities in Brussels and the already existing right to visa-free entry.

By