Introduction

China’s coastal cities, home to over 400 million people, are facing a dual threat of subsidence and rising sea levels, according to a recent study. The study, published in the journal Science, found that a quarter of China’s coastal land will sink below sea level within a century, putting millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure at risk.

Subsidence and Sea Level Rise

Subsidence, or the sinking of the land, is a natural process that occurs when the ground settles or compacts over time. However, in China’s coastal cities, the process is being accelerated by human activities, such as the over-extraction of groundwater and the weight of buildings.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed satellite data and found that the rate of subsidence in China’s coastal cities has increased by up to 50% in the past decade. The researchers also found that the subsidence is linked to changes in groundwater levels and the weight of buildings.

At the same time, sea levels are also rising due to climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels have risen by about 3.3 millimetres per year over the past 25 years. In China’s coastal cities, the combination of subsidence and sea level rise is creating a crisis that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades.

Impact on Coastal Cities

The impact of subsidence and sea level rise on China’s coastal cities is already being felt. In Shanghai, the city’s iconic Bund waterfront has sunk by up to 2.6 meters over the past century, while in Tianjin, the city’s central business district has sunk by up to 2.5 meters.

The subsidence is causing a range of problems, from increased flooding to damage to buildings and infrastructure. In some areas, the subsidence has caused roads and buildings to crack, while in other areas, it has led to the flooding of entire neighbourhoods.

The cost of addressing the subsidence and sea level rise crisis in China’s coastal cities is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars. The Chinese government has already spent billions of dollars on measures such as building sea walls and pumping sand onto eroding beaches. However, these measures are only a temporary solution and do not address the root causes of the subsidence.

Expert Opinions

Experts warn that the subsidence and sea level rise crisis in China’s coastal cities is a ticking time bomb. “The situation is very serious and requires urgent action,” said Dr. Xiaojun Yin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and one of the authors of the study. “We need to reduce the extraction of groundwater and find ways to reduce the weight of buildings.”

Dr. Robert Nicholls, a professor of coastal engineering at the University of Southampton, agrees. “China’s coastal cities are facing a perfect storm of subsidence and sea level rise,” he said. “The Chinese government needs to take urgent action to address the root causes of the subsidence and invest in long-term solutions to protect its coastal cities.”

Conclusion

China’s coastal cities are facing a crisis of subsidence and sea level rise that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades. The crisis is being driven by human activities, such as the over-extraction of groundwater and the weight of buildings. The Chinese government needs to take urgent action to address the root causes of the subsidence and invest in long-term solutions to protect its coastal cities.

The cost of addressing the crisis is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars, but the cost of inaction is likely to be much higher. Millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure are at risk. The Chinese government must act now to prevent a catastrophic flood from engulfing its coastal cities.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s recent trip to China has sparked controversy and criticism. Many are unhappy with her apparent prioritisation of German business interests over supporting Brussels’ de-risking agenda. In public remarks during the trip, Merkel did not voice support for the EU’s efforts to limit economic dependence on China, instead focusing on promoting German businesses and their interests in the country.

Some have called Merkel’s approach a “disaster” and “regrettable”, arguing that it sends the wrong message to China and undermines the EU’s efforts to reduce its economic reliance on the country. Critics have accused Merkel of prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term strategic interests, and of failing to adequately address issues such as human rights abuses in China.

The controversy surrounding Merkel’s China trip highlights the complex relationship between Europe and China, and the challenges facing the EU as it seeks to balance economic interests with strategic concerns. As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the EU faces pressure to take a more assertive stance on issues such as trade, human rights, and security.

Chancellor’s Controversial China Visit

Criticism of German Leader

German Chancellor’s recent visit to China has been met with criticism from some quarters. Critics have accused the Chancellor of prioritizing German business interests over the de-risking agenda of Brussels. In her public remarks in China, the Chancellor did not throw her support behind the European Union’s agenda of reducing risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The critics have argued that the Chancellor’s visit was a missed opportunity to promote the interests of the European Union. They have raised concerns that the Chancellor’s focus on German business interests could undermine the EU’s efforts to address the risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Focus on Business Interests

During her visit to China, the Chancellor focused primarily on promoting German business interests. She led a delegation of German business leaders to China and signed several trade agreements.

The Chancellor’s focus on business interests has been praised by some as a pragmatic approach to promoting German economic growth. However, others have criticized her for ignoring the EU’s de-risking agenda and failing to promote a united front against China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Overall, the Chancellor’s visit to China has been a subject of controversy. While some have praised her for promoting German business interests, others have criticized her for failing to support the EU’s de-risking agenda.

EU De-Risking Agenda and German Stance

Lack of Support for Brussels

During her recent trip to China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not throw her support behind the European Union’s (EU) de-risking agenda. This agenda aims to reduce the EU’s dependence on China and mitigate the risks associated with economic engagement with the country. Merkel’s lack of support for this agenda has drawn criticism from some quarters.

The de-risking agenda was introduced in response to concerns about China’s human rights record, as well as its economic practices, such as the theft of intellectual property. The EU aims to reduce its dependence on China by diversifying its economic partnerships and investing in domestic industries. Merkel’s failure to endorse this agenda has raised questions about Germany’s commitment to the EU’s broader goals.

Implications for EU-China Relations

Merkel’s focus on German business interests during her trip to China has been seen as a sign of Germany’s increasing economic dependence on China. This has raised concerns about the potential implications for EU-China relations. Some experts have suggested that Merkel’s stance could undermine the EU’s efforts to present a united front on issues such as trade and human rights.

Moreover, Merkel’s failure to support the EU’s de-risking agenda could make it more difficult for the EU to negotiate with China on issues such as market access and intellectual property protection. This could have negative implications for both the EU and Germany, as China is an important market for German businesses.

In conclusion, Merkel’s lack of support for the EU’s de-risking agenda and her focus on German business interests during her recent trip to China have raised questions about Germany’s commitment to the EU’s broader goals. This could have negative implications for EU-China relations and make it more difficult for the EU to negotiate with China on key issues.

Reactions and Consequences

Domestic Response

The German Chancellor’s China trip has drawn criticism from various domestic quarters. Critics have accused the Chancellor of prioritizing German business interests over the EU’s de-risking agenda. The opposition parties have been particularly vocal in their criticism, with some accusing the Chancellor of undermining EU unity.

The SPD, the junior partner in the governing coalition, has called for an urgent debate in the Bundestag to discuss the Chancellor’s China trip. The party’s leader, Saskia Esken, has said that the Chancellor’s remarks in China are “regrettable” and that they do not reflect the EU’s position on China.

International Perspective

The Chancellor’s China trip has also raised concerns among Germany’s EU partners. Some EU officials have expressed disappointment that the Chancellor did not use her visit to throw her support behind Brussels’ de-risking agenda. They have also expressed concern that the Chancellor’s focus on German business interests could undermine the EU’s collective approach to China.

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has been particularly critical of the Chancellor’s China trip. In a recent interview, he called on Germany to show more solidarity with its EU partners on China. He also criticized the Chancellor for not taking a tougher stance on human rights issues in China.

Overall, the Chancellor’s China trip has sparked a heated debate in Germany and the EU. While some have praised the Chancellor for promoting German business interests, others have criticized her for undermining EU unity and failing to support Brussels’ de-risking agenda.

In a significant development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden engaged in a ‘candid’ direct conversation, marking their first call since 2022. This conversation holds immense importance as it comes at a time when tensions between the two global powers have been escalating. Let’s delve into the details of this crucial phone call and its implications for China-US relations.

Understanding the Context

The backdrop against which this phone call took place is crucial to grasp the significance of the dialogue. Tensions between China and the United States have been on the rise due to various issues ranging from trade disputes to human rights concerns. The need for constructive dialogue between the two leaders has never been more pressing.

Key Points of Discussion

During the phone call, Xi and Biden reportedly discussed a range of topics, focusing on areas where their interests align. This ‘candid’ conversation indicates a willingness on both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue despite the challenges that exist in their relationship.

Progress Made and Areas of Agreement

The fact that progress was achieved in limited areas of aligned interests is a positive sign for China-US relations. This could potentially pave the way for further cooperation on issues of mutual concern such as climate change, global health, and regional security.

Implications for Global Dynamics

The outcome of this phone call has broader implications for the global geopolitical landscape. As two of the most influential countries in the world, any positive developments in China-US relations can have far-reaching effects on international trade, security, and diplomacy.

Analysis of the Tone and Approach

The use of the term ‘candid’ to describe the conversation between Xi and Biden suggests a level of openness and honesty in their exchange. This could indicate a shift towards more transparent communication between the two leaders, which is essential for building trust and resolving differences.

Future Prospects and Challenges

While the phone call signifies a step in the right direction, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Both China and the US have complex issues to address, and sustaining this momentum towards improved relations will require continued effort and cooperation from both sides.

Conclusion

The recent phone call between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden marks a positive development in China-US relations. By analyzing the key points of discussion, progress made, and implications for global dynamics, we can gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics between these two global powers. This dialogue sets the stage for future engagement and cooperation, highlighting the importance of constructive communication in navigating the complexities of international relations.