Germany
* As some Indicators can be skipped where data is unavailable, the maximum overall and Domain scores are not identical for each country. Country rankings are generated from ratios of the maximum scores and the achieved scores.
The Indicators have been classified by the stage of the influence process at which they occur. Some Indicators correspond to exposure to PRC influence, e.g. the presence of Confucius Institutes. Others test for pressure – such as visa denials to academics or journalists. Finally, some Indicators capture the effect of PRC influence, such as national policy changes in favor of PRC interests.
The individual Layer scores for each country are tallied and displayed via rankings.
Exposure
Exposure assesses the conditions that make the target country vulnerable to PRC's influence, e.g. in terms of economic dependence, or the receiving of some form of benefit.
Pressure
Pressure measures the actions that the PRC directly or indirectly exerts over the target country in order to change the behavior of people in the target country, e.g. in terms of threatening economic punishment to provoke/prevent a political decision.
Effect
Effect evaluates the degree of accommodations the target country makes to the PRC, and the actual effects and impacts on the target country.
In 2021, Germany had a GDP per capita of US$50,802 and a total population of 83.12 million people, with the Chinese population comprising 212,000 people, or 0.3% of the total population.
Germany established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972. Germany was ranked 16th in Reporters Without Borders' 2022 World Press Freedom Index, and free in Freedom House's 2022 Global Freedom Status, with a score of 94/100.
Percentage scores do not suggest some degree out of a “completely influenced” level of 100%. The percentages express the country’s score out of the total achievable amount based on the Indicators for each Domain.
- Media63.6% / 30.1%
- Academia81.8% / 34%
- Economy36.4% / 33.6%
- Society31.8% / 23.6%
- Military9.1% / 23.4%
- Law Enforcement25.0% / 30.2%
- Technology54.5% / 40.8%
- Domestic Politics61.4% / 37.2%
- Foreign Policy25.0% / 41%
Media
The Media Domain evaluates how PRC entities influence public debate and media coverage about the PRC in the Index country.
In my country, there are media organizations that belong to the World Chinese Media (世界华文媒体) network.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
42 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
13 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In Germany there are at least 12 media organizations belonging to the 世界华文媒体 network. This is relatively large for a single European country. They are well networked in the PRC business and other communities here, and from there work with contacts in German society.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are journalists or media organizations which are members of the Belt and Road Media Cooperation Alliance/Union, the Belt and Road News Alliance, or other Belt and Road media networks that connected to PRC (e.g. Belt and Road Media Community, Belt and Road Journalists Network, Belt and Road News Network, or B&R TV Networks).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
39 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
23 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There are not many as Germany is not a BRI country. Worth noting however that due to the membership of TV Alliance (Germany) with many international clients its impact is or can be higher than the number suggests.
Supplementary Notes
Note this website is in Austria, but it is a German company (and anyway the same language).
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are journalists, media organizations or online influencers who have attended all-expenses paid media tours in PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
11 countries chose this answer
0/ No
15 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
15 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
13 countries chose this answer
71 countries answered this indicator; 11 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
One of the examples is Media Forum China – Germany. (Link) This is an annual event organized by the Robert Bosch Stiftung and Global Times, started from 2010. For example, in 2016, they had a three-day tour in Xian, participants including Andreas Cichowicz (editor in chief of NDR Fernsehen,) Wolfgang Krach (editor in chief of Süddeutsche Zeitung,) Philipp Fleischmann (managing director of Handelsblatt Global Edition,) Hu Xijin (editor in chief of the Global Times,) Bai Yansong (anchor at CCTV,) and Dai Xiaojing (deputy editor in chief of Caijing Magazine.) A report published in 2018 by think tanks MERICS and GPPi concluded that China used these forums "to push its idea of 'constructive journalism' as an alternative to watchdog journalism. (Link) In practice, this means that China is trying to bolster support for the idea that media should not challenge those in power, but rather work with them. In an international setting, according to this logic, media should serve as a tool for fostering friendships between different countries." (pp. 24)
- https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en/story/media-forum-china-germany
- https://merics.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/GPPi_MERICS_Authoritarian_Advance_2018_1.pdf
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are journalists, media organizations or online influencers who have received trainings from PRC state-owned media or PRC-connected entities.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
37 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
16 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany has a lot of media training — journalism schools etc. China is not a destination for practical training.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC state-media (including print, radio, and video) is broadcasted or distributed in a local language.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
24 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
22 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
18 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
People’s Daily German-language online version launched in 2014. Due to this and other sources of German-language CCP media (e.g. Ouzhou shibao, and some small local stations, PRC satellite TV stations available) the author considers the situation to be few but quite significant.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are local media outlets wholly or partly owned by PRC citizens or corporations.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
0 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Several. Some of them are official party-state media such as 1. Radio China International (cri.cn), Link 2. China Heute, Link 3. Beijing Rundschau, Link 4. german.china.org, Link There are also media run by the Chinese diaspora with varying levels of influence or support by the party-state, including guidance or even ownership. (e.g., via the Overseas Chinese Affairs Officeand.) They produce content that has close cooperation with the CCP. 1. Kaiyuan (known as Kaytrip in English), a Munich-based online media and business which began hosting the CCP’s People’s Daily Overseas edition in 2015. It was founded by a Chinese former student in Germany. The media claims it puts out more than 1,000 original reports a year, and has 40 subsidiary WeChat channels in Germany, as well as main channels for France (Hello France) and the Nordic countries (Northern Europe Hello). See: Link 2. Paris-based European Times (欧洲时报) has a German edition (see: Link) or the introduction of the company in German (Link) 3. Chinesische Handelszeitung 华商报. Link Outlets as such are not rare but none of them are considered as influential or mainstream media.
- http://german.cri.cn/
- http://german.chinatoday.com.cn/
- http://www.bjrundschau.com/
- http://german.china.org.cn/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190506180113/
- http://www.kaytrip.com/corp_about.html
- http://de.china-info24.com/
- http://www.oushi.de/de/med/nouvelles
- https://huashangbao.com/%e5%85%b3%e4%ba%8e%e6%88%91%e4%bb%ac/
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are media outlets that have delivered cheap or free contents provided by PRC state-fund media.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
22 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
21 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not cheap or free but expensive content. Two German newspapers, Handelsblatt and Süddeutsche Zeitung had records of publishing paid content provided by the state media China Daily under the name ChinaWatch. There's also an instance that Süddeutsche Zeitung published an insert regarding the Paralympics offered by Xinhua, although the newspaper added a disclaimer "advertisement" (Anzeige) on the page. (Link)
- https://twitter.com/hfeldwisch/status/1182630283436314625
- https://uebermedien.de/60966/das-halbe-bild-phoenix-zeigt-eine-doku-ueber-xinjiang-und-laesst-das-leid-der-uiguren-weg/
- https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/china-verbreitet-propaganda-in-zeitungsbeilagen-im-westen-a-1109205.html
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are regular PRC state-media or government advertisements inserted within local newspapers, online news websites or social media.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
38 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
15 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
8 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Handelsblatt regularly carries China Watch. FAZ recently ran a new kind of propaganda: a full-page pro-CCP piece in editorial font/style praising poverty alleviation, authored by at least 2 Xinhua journalists in Germany who were not identified as Xinhua journalists. China.Table, a new online site, regularly runs CCP-friendly pieces by e.g. Eberhard Sandschneider, Berthold Kuhn, and more.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are journalists who have had pressure exerted on them by the PRC, including (but not limited to) public denouncement, revocation of journalist ID, denial of visa.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
57 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
24 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Yes, there have been such cases.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are incidents of media outlets censoring views critical of the PRC government.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Outright censorship is rare and hard to prove.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are media personalities (including reporters, journalists or commentators) or celebrities who deny the existence of human rights abuses in the PRC (e.g. a media personality that doubts there are re-education camps for Uyghurs in Xinjiang).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
18 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There are media personalities such as Frank Sieren who consistently downplay the challenges from the CCP, but outright denialism, including among celebrities, is rare.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Academia
The Academia Domain measures how the PRC state attempts to restrict academic freedom by influencing or interfering with the Index country’s academic and educational activities.
In my country, universities have established research partnerships with PRC-connected entities. (e.g. Huawei, Tencent or Alibaba)
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
9 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
31 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
25 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Huawei, BGI, ZTE, Hisilicon (Huawei-owned) and other Chinese companies collaborate with and fund projects at German universities and research institutions. Huawei alone has entered into at least 120 cooperation projects over the last 15 years, with annual budgets between 25,000-290,000 euros per project. The real number is unclear, as German universities sometimes cite their “academic freedom” to refuse to answer freedom of information questions from media about controversial cooperation.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are Confucius Institutes/Classrooms.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
5 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
14 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
31 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
27 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There are approxiately 21 CIs and Confucius Classrooms in Germany, incl. at top universities e.g. Göttingen, Leipzig, FUB. In addition there are at least 4 in Austrian and Switzerland combined. So in the 3 DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) = at least 25.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country plans to include, or does include, Chinese as a foreign language in K12 or primary education, and receives free or subsidized (e.g. offered below market price) educational books and teachers from PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Yes. However, the scale is not too large, and there is awareness of the difficulties around this issue. About 500 schools offer something called “China AG” (a China “working group” within the school), or teach Chinese as a language of choice (not necessity), or have a partner agreement with a Chinese school. About 5,000 German school-age children are learning Chinese compared to about 38,000 in France. Compared to 98,000 learning Russian it is quite small. There is an organization in Berlin to promote the learning of Chinese in schools. Its curriculum head is a former CASS scholar from the PRC. However there are many parallel systems for teaching Chinese based on Chinese-language curricular, e.g. the Huade Schools, which are nationwide. These are mostly for children whose parents (or one parent) are Chinese, and for some non-Chinese children. They also offer summer camps where the ideology is quite strict.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, one or more think tanks and academic research centers belong to PRC-affiliated networks/associations (such as: the Silk Road Think Tank Association, Silk Road Think Tank Network [SiLKS], Belt and Road Studies Network, University Alliance of the Silk Road, University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
40 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
17 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
I do not assess this to be too major a issue. However there are definitely some and I would prefer to be able to say there are “few, but somewhat significant” (instead of a black-and-white “insignificant/significant).
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, think tanks and academic research centers have received financial support from PRC-connected individuals or entities.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
10 countries chose this answer
0/ No
21 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
72 countries answered this indicator; 10 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
However my answer here is similar to q. 4 above, I would prefer to have a grade between “insignificant” and “significant.”
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, experts participate in PRC talent recruitment programs such as the Thousand Talents Program or Changjiang Scholars program.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
47 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Evidence is pending and will be updated asap. Some hints also indicate this connection. A 2020 report (Link) published by the think tank Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) calculated awardees of the Youth Thousand Talents Plan (青年千人计划; YTTP) from 2011 to 2016. According to the report, 6% of awardees were working in Germany, and at least 52 awardees were employees of the Max Planck Society.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, scholars have taken trips to the PRC paid for by PRC-connected individuals or entities.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
13 countries chose this answer
0/ No
17 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
15 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
14 countries chose this answer
69 countries answered this indicator; 13 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Some very influential scholars have accepted money from the PRC for years in a multitude of ways.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, organized PRC-connected student groups, such as Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs), are involved in attempts to censor staff or students (e.g. by harassing students protesting human rights abuses in the PRC, or formally complaining about the identification of Taiwan as a country in lecture slides).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
5 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
3 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This happens, for example in late 2019 at the TUB (Berlin Technology University). However it is not considered to be extremely wide. However I give this a 3 (rather than a 2) due to the impact of such actions on a self-censoring German academic community, which believes it is dependent on China. In addition, efforts to expose this kind of thing generally meet with push-back from the university (see the example of FUB, 2019), thus indicating the problem is systemic and quite deep.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, scholars or academics have been denied visas to travel to the PRC after expressing opinions or producing scholarship that is critical of the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
6 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
An entire German research institute (Merics) was recently denied access to China in March 2021. Individual researchers have experienced this on and off for years.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected entities have been involved in school or university curriculum design, such as courses about East Asian history, modern politics, etc.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
16 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
E.g. the Center of Global Studies at the University of Bonn is or has recently been connected via persons to the China Center for Globalisation, which was set up under the United Front and plays influences among think tanks and politicians overseas; or via CI activity (some professors who design courses have dual roles in the University and the CI), or individual institutional examples such as the funding of a chair of Sinology at the FUB according to Chinese law. The latter was exposed by the media.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are confirmed reports of teachers or professors avoiding the discussion of sensitive political issues (e.g. Uyghur re-education camps, Taiwan independence, Tiananmen Square Massacre).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
5 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
6 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
77 countries answered this indicator; 5 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
E.g. In October 2021, 2 Confucius Institutes canceled an event about a biography of Xi Jinping, Link Also, on Nov. 14, 2019, the Free University of Berlin canceled an internal email about a political event about Hong Kong, although it permitted political events about e.g. Bosnia. See, Link “Dear Students, Earlier today an e-mail was distributed through the announce newsletter. The e-mail was not intended to be distributed through the newsletter and was mistakenly approved. Our newsletters serve the sole purpose of disseminating important information regarding our M.A. programme as well as relevant job opportunities to all our students. Please accept my sincere apologies for this mistake. The post does not necessarily reflect any views of the institute of sociology and I apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused. Regards, (name withheld by DKT)”
- https://www.dw.com/de/konfuzius-institute-kritik-stefan-aust-adrian-geiges-xi-jinping/a-59636041
- https://lists.fu-berlin.de/listinfo/ma-sociology-announce
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Economy
The Economy Domain measures the PRC’s economic leverage in the Index country, and how this is used to influence economic policy or corporate behavior in ways that favor the PRC.
The PRC is my country's number one trading partner (for trade in goods only).
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
number one trading partner "country," because the biggest partner is EU. Both 2020 and 2021, see: Link
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
PRC-connected entities own more than 50% of my country’s sovereign debt.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
77 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
The PRC is the top customer for my country’s extractive industries.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
20 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-related entities own, operate or substantially control critical infrastructure (e.g. ports, power plants, digital data centers, etc) or sensitive sectors (biotech, raw materials, etc.)
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
36 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
46 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a widespread phenomenon.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country joined (or applied to join) the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
27 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
55 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany was one of 57 founding members, in 2016.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, major businesses are members of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce, or of the Belt and Road Industrial and Commercial Alliance, or of the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
41 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
41 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has been the target of PRC economic coercion (e.g. trade or investment sanctions) that was specifically tailored at products or services that are highly dependent on the PRC market.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
18 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, local businesses have been harassed, threatened, or boycotted, due to their activities or statements in support of causes deemed unacceptable by the PRC government (e.g. Taiwanese independence, Hong Kong democracy, Tibet or Xinjiang issues, etc).
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Daimler was forced to apologize to the PRC 3 times for including the Dalai Lama in an ad campaign.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has free-trade agreement(s) with the PRC (either bilateral or as part of regional agreement(s)) that primarily deals with trade in goods or services, including digital goods or services.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The European common market has no free trade agreement with the PRC.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, central or local governments have relaxed or removed regulatory restrictions, or have established special economic zones (or free trade zones, industrial parks, etc.) to attract investments or economic participation from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
47 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected entities requisitioned infrastructure or land for failure to repay debts in a timely manner.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
76 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
4 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Society
The Society Domain measures the extent and effectiveness of the PRC’s efforts to advance its soft power in the Index country, including its influence over the actions and views of local organizations and citizens.
In my country, there are local groups or organizations with words like “Promotion of Peaceful Reunification” in their name, and they regularly publicize their views on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang issues.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
49 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany has an extensive network of such UF organizations. They do not publicly interfere too much, however they are active exercising influence in closed-door or smaller circle venues, e.g. business or cultural organizations.
Supplementary Notes
I would pick Rating: 2 due to the lack of overt interference in public debate. [Arguably a Rating: 4 would also be appropriate …]
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are members and member organizations of United World Chinese Association (世界华人协会).
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not many however. This would be for older overseas Chinese communities, e.g. in France. Germany has many other active groups however.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, labor unions cooperate on exchanges or official visits to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) in the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not in a real sense of learning from or building networks. I’m sure some formal/symbolic visits have taken place, especially in the past.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are local reports of personnel linked to the UFWD who make appearances at Chinese diaspora community events and activities (e.g. Lunar New Year events, Dragon Boat festival tournaments, etc).
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
50 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a major phenomenon in Germany e.g. at the annual Spring Festival Gala for PRC students and researchers in Germany. For example, Munich Spring Festival host by Chinese Students and Scholars Association München e. V. Link
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are PRC-connected professional associations that are closely engaged with their counterparts locally, such as All-China Journalists Association (中华全国新闻工作者协会), China Artists Association (中国艺术家协会), China Writers Association (中国作家协会) or All-China Women Federation (全国妇联).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
33 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
25 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
8 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is rather a fringe activity among Germans.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected individuals or entities donate money or provide other types of support to religious communities and charities.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, the PRC government or PRC-connected entities distribute entertainment products (including: drama and TV shows) or related hardwares (e.g. OTT streaming players hosting PRC media channels) freely or at a cheap price.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
38 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
21 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
11 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not that common in entertainment industry due to language etc. differences, and a strong domestic TV and film industry. However it does happen especially for example in nature / animal or geography shows. The PRC also tries to expand this sector, I have personally witnessed that, e.g. with nature documentaries and so on..
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Cultural products (such as films and TV shows) produced by my country’s production studios typically portray the PRC in a positive light.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
60 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not really. Mixed. Quite a bit of critical coverage, too.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, celebrities regularly publish or share propaganda narratives from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
3 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is quite rare.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, the national or local governments regularly publish or share propaganda narratives from the PRC (e.g. statements from the PRC government or embassies).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
54 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Only very limited.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, a majority of citizens have positive views of the PRC government.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
50 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
25 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not really. However the positive view in Germany is higher than in many European countries.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Military
The Military Domain gauges the bilateral military relationship between the PRC and the Index country, including PRC efforts to influence local military personnel.
My country currently imports (or receives in-kind donation of) military or law-enforcement equipment or components of equipment from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
36 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
46 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country currently exports military or law-enforcement equipment or components of equipment to the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
74 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
7 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is however a difficult question to answer in yes/no format due to the PRC's military-civil fusion. Germany exports some goods (hardware/high-tech) that end up in China’s policy or military system. Overall however, due to the EU’s ban on military exports to China after 1989, I pick NO
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country co-develops or co-produces military or law-enforcement equipment with the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
66 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are reports that the PRC has expressed intentions or has taken actions to establish basing.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has participated in a humanitarian relief/disaster assistance (HADR) effort.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
However the PLA trains regularly with the Bundeswehr in medical emergency care.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military personnel are permanently or rotationally deployed (excluding defense attaches and peacekeepers).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
77 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
5 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, members of the military have received professional military education from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
48 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
34 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, members of the military have received peacekeeping training from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, high-ranking retired or current military and/or intelligence officers have received direct or deferred benefits from PRC-connected individuals or entities openly or covertly (e.g. have been appointed to lucrative positions as board members or consultants with PRC-invested firms, casinos, energy companies, etc.) during or in retirement from public service.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
11 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There have recently been some suspected or real espionage cases, often with older/retired German men (for example including Klaus Lange, Gerhard Sabathil), but the issue cannot be described in these terms and as far as I know is more present in civilian circles than in military.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, high-ranking retired or current military and/or intelligence officials advocate for more coordination with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country cooperates with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on military exchange exercises, including drills and war games.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Yes, but only in the medical area. There is a (usually annual or biannual) exercise with Bundeswehr and PLA medical units.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Domain measures law enforcement cooperation between the PRC and the Index country, as well as the nature and extent of PRC-related criminal activity in the Index country.
My country currently maintains an extradition treaty, legal mutual assistance or other similar arrangements with the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
32 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
50 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In addition, an extradition treaty to Hong Kong was suspended in August 2020 due to the passage by Beijing of a National Security Law for Hong Kong June 30, 2020.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, law enforcement authorities have signed cooperation agreements with the PRC on combatting terrorism.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
55 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
26 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected gangs (such as Triad, 三合会) are known to be operating in my country.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
52 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
29 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Difficult to answer this as a Yes or No. I believe there is some activity through certain people and groups, as there is in Holland, but this is not a publicly known issue.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are reports of economic espionage targeting the private sector that were suspected to benefit PRC-connected entities.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
49 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
9 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Rampant.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are reports of cyber attacks targeting government, critical infrastructure, or enterprises that were suspected to be initiated from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
37 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
15 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Winnti, others prior to it, and more recently the Hafnium attack of March 2021 (by the MSS). In Hafnium alone reportedly 90,000 German companies were targeted. Economic espionage is a major problem for Germany that the country is doing little about.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, triads are known to have threatened or used violence to coerce, intimidate or punish Chinese dissidents.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
3 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The German domestic security service BfV, says the PRC embassy conducts surveillance and intimidation etc. of dissidents in Germany. It is difficult to say exactly who is carrying out this work (as well as PRC diplomats and security agents), though.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has deployed video or internet surveillance systems from the PRC for law enforcement.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
30 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
51 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, representatives of the PRC police force have had joint patrols with local law enforcement.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
71 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
11 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No joint police patrols. However there are five “police contact points”
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My government has detained people at the request of the PRC for committing a crime involving engagements with social movements or resistance activities in Hong Kong, Xinjiang or for other human rights or civic rights issues.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has deported Taiwan citizens to the PRC to face prosecution.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
71 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
9 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has extradited or has deported individuals to the PRC, although such decisions had attracted criticisms from politicians, government employees or from local or foreign NGOs.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
21 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This happened to at least one Uyghur, who disappeared after being returned to China, within the last two years. The person was deported by the immigration authorities in Bavaria. It was widely criticized. This practice has now stopped. If we take the 18 month activity time-frame for responses strictly (2020-July 2021), I should answer NO.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Technology
The Technology Domain gauges the PRC’s influence over the technology sector in the Index country, including the activity and financial leverage of PRC companies, use of PRC hardware, and bilateral research partnerships.
In my country, PRC-connected entities (such as China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom) or their subsidiaries provide telecom services.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
52 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
30 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
They have offices in Germany, but German telecoms are dominated by Germany companies e.g. Deutsche Telekom.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, telecoms have signed agreements to adopt hardwares or technical specifications of 4G or 5G cellular networks that are produced or developed by Huawei, ZTE or other PRC enterprises.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
16 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
27 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
30 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Plenty of Huawei etc. equipment in Germany’s 4G, and they are building it into 5G.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, telecoms have adopted hardware or technical specifications by PRC-connected entities in internet/wifi/telecommunication service infrastructure projects, in addition to 4G/5G cellular network.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
8 countries chose this answer
0/ No
14 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
24 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
23 countries chose this answer
74 countries answered this indicator; 8 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Very limited.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected entities are authorized vendors to supply tech-related equipment or services to our government, military or security services.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
28 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
53 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Some. E.g. The Foreign Ministry recently equipped its staff with hundreds of Lenovo laptops.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, central or local governments have collaboration (such as data collection or exchange agreement, or adoption of related hardwares) with the PRC government or PRC-connected entities on facial, voice recognition or other applications involving biometrics achieved by AI.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
42 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, one or more cities have procured, or have signed contracts with PRC-connected entities to establish “smart city” systems.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
35 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
25 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
E.g. Duisburg in North-Rhine Westphalia.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, financial institutions use the China Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) clearing and settlement services system.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
63 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
18 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
E.g., Deutsche Bank.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected venture capital invests in technology start-ups.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
32 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
18 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
11 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a fast-growing area in Germany, due to the absence of domestic financing including (especially) for high-tech startups. China is extremely interested and active.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, companies have publicly announced that they had signed MOUs to collaborate on technological development (such as collaborations in A.I., Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data) with PRC-connected entities.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
31 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
9 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There is quite a lot of technological cooperation between Germany and China, e.g. SAP.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, PRC-connected entities are shareholders or developers of the top five popular social media/messaging apps, based on usage.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
36 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Western social media apps dominate this area.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, the central or local government(s) has collaborated with the PRC on endorsing the use of BeiDou satellite navigation system.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
17 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of that available.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Domestic Politics
The Domestic Politics Domain evaluates PRC efforts to influence the political landscape in the Index country, and the footprint of PRC security companies.
In my country, politicians or government employees at the sub-national level are signing agreements with the PRC government or state-owned enterprises.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
20 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is quite common in Germany, and can be projects of national significance, e.g. the Wilhelmshaven port deal giving China Logistics (owned by SASAC SOE Chengtong Holdings)
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, local municipalities have sister-city ties (友好城市) with municipalities in the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
10 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
23 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
An extensive phenomenon in Germany. E.g. Hamburg and Shanghai began a “sister city” partnership in 1986. In 1987, Cologne and Beijing. Today there are very many: Aachen/Ningbo, Augsburg/Jinan etc. “Sister” relationships also exist on the district level, e.g. Berlin’s Mitte district and Beijing’s Chaoyang district.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, politicians or government employees have taken trips to the PRC paid for by PRC-connected individuals or entities.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
22 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
16 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
16 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is an widespread phenomenon.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, politicians or government employees visit the PRC and have meetings with PRC officials and think tanks.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
1 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
14 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
25 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
32 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a widespread phenomenon.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, law enforcement and judicial related training offered the PRC-connected individuals or entities has been accepted by national or subnational governments.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
16 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This happens at the level of “exchanges” and often within the framework of sister city partnerships, e.g. Cologne’s Ordnungsamt and Beijing’s chengguan 城管 have held mutual training sessions on issue such as how to deal with illegal residents (migrants).
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, there are reports of politicians or political parties receiving campaign donations that originate in the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
60 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of this.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, groups with reported links to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) have hosted fundraisings or have provided other forms of support for government employees, politicians or parties.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is very limited.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, groups with reported links to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) have made public statements opposing the candidacy of a local political candidate or party, claiming them being “anti-China”.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
78 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
1 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
0 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is very limited.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, politicians or government employees have publicly expressed positive views of the PRC government.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
12 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
13 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
37 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a widespread phenomenon.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, politicians or government employees have received direct or deferred benefits from PRC-connected individuals or entities openly or covertly (e.g. have been appointed to lucrative positions as board members or consultants with PRC-invested firms, casinos, energy companies, etc.) during or in retirement from public office.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
40 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
18 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
8 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a widespread phenomenon.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, security services (安保/保安) offered by private PRC companies are contracted by national or subnational governments.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
3 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No evidence of this.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Foreign Policy
The Foreign Policy Domain gauges PRC efforts to achieve diplomatic objectives by influencing key actors in the Index country.
My country’s legislature has a joint parliamentary friendship group, committee or other forms of sub-organizations with PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
25 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
57 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
However, it is a “parliamentary group” (not friendship group). It is a formal structure that the Bundestag maintains with the partliament of each country in the world. There is a representative from each German political party in it (6 in total, SPD, CDU, AfD, FDP, Greens, Linke). While some members are “friendly” others, e.g. Bause of the Greens, is an outspoken critic of CCP policies. For a 2020 interview with its head, Dagmar Schmidt of the SPD, see (in German): Link For the group itself, see: See: Link Dagmar Schmidt interview in English: Link
- https://merics.org/de/interview/dagmar-schmidt-dass-der-rege-austausch-abgerissen-ist-ist-sehr-schade-gerade-diesen
- https://www.bundestag.de/europa_internationales/parlamentariergruppen#url=L2V1cm9wYV9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsZXMvcGFybGFtZW50YXJpZXJncnVwcGVuL3BhcmxhbWVudGFyaWVyZ3J1cHBlbi0xOTYzNjI=&mod=mod442312
- https://merics.org/en/interview/its-pity-such-lively-exchange-has-stopped-dagmar-schmidt-dialogue-china
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Representatives of a political party in my country’s national legislature have met officially with representatives of the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
3 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
20 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
40 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany maintains “wide and deep” connections with China on all levels, with a total of about 80 official groups that include representatives from government, politics, and wider society (e.g. the research community).
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
The PRC provides training to diplomats or civil servants on governance from my country (such as at 国家行政学院 or 中央党校).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
39 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
14 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No available evidence.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
In my country, politicians or government employees have been pressured by PRC diplomats to change their political or diplomatic stances.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
41 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
21 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The cases that we tend to hear about are in the human rights field, e.g. CDU politician Michael Brand came under heavy pressure due to his support for Tibet while he was on the Bundestag China Committee. Margareta Bause of the Greens, also in her official capacity in a Bundestag committee, has too. Both have faced entry bans to China as a result of their human rights engagement.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow and Yu-Fen Lai, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
Citizens of my country have been detained in PRC or denied exit visas, and believed to be suffering from unfair legal treatments for political reasons, a.k.a. “hostage diplomacy”.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No available evidence.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
The head of state, head of government or foreign minister of my country has denied Taiwan’s right to participate as a member, observer or guest in WHO.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
14 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not recently. In fact, in May 2020, Germany joined the United States in asking the WHO to invite Taiwan to attend the 73rd WHA (held virtually) as an observer. It did a similar thing in 2019.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country publicly supported the appointment of a PRC official to be the head of a United Nations agency (such as the FAO or ICAO) or other intergovernmental organizations (such as INTERPOL).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not in the timeframe of 2020-July 2021.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My government has shown support of PRC's territorial claims (such as on the South China Sea arbitration ruling issued by the UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal in July 2016; except claims over Taiwan, which are indirectly covered in indicator 6.)
Oppose
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has rejected PRC’s claim
24 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
36 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has adhered to PRC’s claim
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Since 2019, Germany has taken positions countering PRC's South China Sea claims.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has shown one of the following stances on PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population.
Oppose
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
31 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
32 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
17 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany has criticized the PRC over the situation in the Uyghur regions. However mostly it has done so within the context of the EU.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My country has shown one of the following stances on PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population.
Oppose
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
21 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
46 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany has consistently criticized PRC's treatment of Tibet and Tibetans.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.
My government has not publicly criticized the PRC’s imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong.
Oppose
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
24 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
36 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Germany has even initiated protests against PRC's treatment of Hong Kong and Hongkongers.
Answered by Didi Kirsten Tatlow, and has been reviewed by another 1 anonymous expert.