China

The alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is meeting for the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. The grouping wants to reposition itself, and many countries of the Global South are interested in joining. GIGA experts observe and analyse these developments.

GIGA Doctoral Researcher Askan Weidemann is currently doing a Visiting Doctoral Fellowship in Beijing, China to do research on the Chinese Petitioning System. Learn more about his experience in this interview.

At “Book a Scientist,” you will once again have the chance to talk to GIGA researchers: Dr. Andreas Ufen, Eduardo Tamaki, and Dr. Sinan Chu are offering talks on democratisation and autocratisation in Southeast Asia, populism in Latin America, and the “peoples” of the People’s Republic of China. Book your appointment now!

The current issue examines topics such as Chinese capital in Africa, guanxi-based work processes in Chinese banquets, digital mourning and civic engagement, the governance of political dissent, the relationship between Confucius Institutes and German universities, and more.

China and Venezuela’s long-standing alliance faces its toughest test yet after Maduro’s arrest. From oil-for-loans deals to digital surveillance and military cooperation, Beijing now risks losing influence as Washington moves to assert dominance over Caracas.

This issue investigates the party-state’s academic engagements; governing institutions operating under dual identities; the impact of COVID-19 on China’s image; strategies to attract skilled migrants; the central government’s intensified engagement in Shenzhen; and other contemporary topics.

A decade after the Belt and Road Initiative’s launch, this special issue shows the complexity not only of the idea itself but also of China’s global influence and the range of attitudes and responses to it. The contributions span perspectives from Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the region itself.

The international migration discourse in the Global Times newspaper, extraterritorial social control through digital platforms, and the rise of Chinese information and communication technology in European industry are just some of the topics covered in the new issue.

Why are democracies under pressure worldwide? How does the Chinese scientific community view international relations? How do sanctions work? Ask our experts your questions at “Book a Scientist” on 3 June.

The People’s Republic of China is engaging in a diplomatic charm offensive, which German chancellor Olaf Scholz, among others, acknowledged with his recent trip there. While the Chinese government broadcasts political stability and continuity, the CCP’s top leadership has been secretive about its future direction. How can these contradictory signals from Beijing be interpreted? 

Under the headline of “Chinese Migrants in Metropolises Abroad” this special issue explores recent developments in the Chinese diaspora through an urban lens. It presents five empirical contributions based on fieldwork in Paris, Berlin, Manchester (UK), Mexico City, Lagos, Gaborone, and Windhoek.

This Special Issue presents four studies on Chinese cultural entrepreneurship in literary production, visual arts, social media, and cinema. Other articles deal with the concept of “APCSF,” anti-COVID-19 slogans, and the Chinese party-stateʼs reactions to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is meeting for the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. The grouping wants to reposition itself, and many countries of the Global South are interested in joining. GIGA experts observe and analyse these developments.

GIGA Doctoral Researcher Askan Weidemann is currently doing a Visiting Doctoral Fellowship in Beijing, China to do research on the Chinese Petitioning System. Learn more about his experience in this interview.

At “Book a Scientist,” you will once again have the chance to talk to GIGA researchers: Dr. Andreas Ufen, Eduardo Tamaki, and Dr. Sinan Chu are offering talks on democratisation and autocratisation in Southeast Asia, populism in Latin America, and the “peoples” of the People’s Republic of China. Book your appointment now!