Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Situated 2,300 meters above sea level and encircled by mountains, the region receives almost no rainfall and the blinding sun singes exposed human skin within minutes. But 40 meters below the salt flats lie our planet’s largest and purest reserves of the chemical element lithium. Lithium, the lightest of all metals, has the best electrochemical potential. This makes it perfect for rechargeable batteries, a technology that powers our smartphones and is expected to become even more crucial in the future. Now, a Chinese firm is attempting to gain control of the Atacama reserves.
New Cars in a New Economy: China’s Two Speed Car Market
Like its whole economy, China’s auto market grew at breakneck pace in the 2000s, and while it is slowing down, it still contains enormous potential in terms of both raw sales and innovation as China shifts toward electric. The Chinese government is actively promoting new-energy vehicles, offering subsidies that amount to about 23% of the price of a vehicle. And consumers, many of whom no longer consider car ownership as a status symbol, are more willing to buy electric cars. Yet despite favorable policies and growing market demand, there are challenges ahead: lack of power stations, fragmented manufacturing of power batteries and insufficient innovation.
JingJinJi, a Chinese Megalopolis in the Making
A megalopolis six times the size of New York, JingJinJi will ease the pressures being faced by China’s capital Beijing.
The Power of Big Data in China
Big data promises to revolutionize the work of business and government, and China’s largest internet companies are leading the way
Chinese Outbound Investment in Energy: Powering China
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, China needs to actively scout for resources. A look at cases of Chinese outbound investment in energy.
Better Days for Business Between India and China?
Politics can often be a deal breaker in business between India and China. But now that might change due to changes in both economies.
Share. Don’t Own: The Sharing Economy Takes Off
Why own when you can share? Understanding the dynamics of the sharing economy which, by some estimates, will become a $115 billion industry by 2016.
China and Russia Relations: Politics in the Pipeline
Two experts—Anthony Liu from CKGSB and Martin K. Dimitrov from Tulane University—explore the impact of the $400 billion natural gas deal on China and Russia relations.
China Roundup: State of the Economy; MNCs Hit new highs (and lows); and the Alibaba Share Price Fall
This week, China’s factory activity improved a little even as factory employment figures slumped; Adobe announced its intention to shutter its China R&D center while other MNCs remain upbeat; and the Alibaba share price fell after last week’s spectacular IPO.
China’s Salt Monopoly: Cracking Down on Illegal Contraband
China’s 2,132-year old salt monopoly and why it makes sense to finally end it. Early last year Taobao, Alibaba’s online marketplace, went through a cleansing process to remove contraband being sold by merchants on the site. What was this illicit item? Was it cocaine or heroin sale of which is prohibited under China’s Drug Administration […]
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