China's President Xi Jinping spoke to 17 Central and Eastern European states at the virtual summit. The main results for observers: The format is not dead, but no great leaps were made. Six of 12 EU states sent lower-ranking representatives to the meeting. Xi made promises of billions in imports.
Von Amelie Richter
The strict travel restrictions are currently one of the biggest problems for German companies in China. It is difficult for new employees and their families to obtain visas. Expats are de facto unable to leave the country. There is little prospect of the situation changing any time soon – not least because the National People's Congress will meet in Beijing in March.
Von Christiane Kuehl
Asian governments, including China, have issued political climate targets. If they are to be achieved, relations between Beijing and Washington must be stable. In Asia, the challenge now is to mobilize private-sector forces to drive carbon reduction. It's about green financial instruments, transparency and clear guidance on standards.
Von Ning Wang
