INSIDE CHINA

Greta Thunberg has gained massive support from the youth across Europe. However, the question "how dare you" has not resonated among young people in China. How and why do Chinese youth differ from their European peers?

The idea persists that China’s political system and culture makes it uniquely adept at planning ahead for the distant future. But is the Chinese Communist Party really in it for the long-term?

One of the most persistent myths about China is that its system works with great efficiency, enabling concerted action and long-term planning. But such rosy assessments overlook key costs – not least to the rights and protection of citizens.

China is now at the top of the tables when it comes to investment in research and development. But problems like bureaucracy and short-term thinking continue to hold innovation back.

Top technology firms in China now account for almost half of the top-20 global firms. But as these companies seek to develop globally, their close association with the Chinese government is a force that both pushes them forward and holds them back.

Through the strength of its economic growth figures year after year, China has projected an image of fundamental economic strength. But a closer look at the numbers exposes profound structural issues that should help cool down fear and envy in the West.  

After four decades of legal reforms in China, "rule of law" has become a term commonly used in dialogues between European and Chinese counterparts. But if we omit the subject and object of the term this creates confusion. For any legal system, the most basic question should be: Who is rule of law meant to serve?  

As nationalistic Chinese internet youth rallied on a popular message board to plan an attack on media and platforms outside China's Great Firewall to oppose demonstrations in Hong Kong, they invoked disturbing notes from Germany's past. 

Thanks to a growing network of sites in Europe catering to Chinese demand for Communism-themed attractions, it is now possible to tour beyond China’s borders and never leave the Chinese political context. Welcome to the world of international red tourism.