Thoughts – China: Dirk Rimaux versus Jonathan Holslag

I am certainly not the only one who disagrees with Holslag. This is what civil engineer Dirk Rimaux wrote in Doorbraak: "Academics like Jonathan Holslag insist that we must build a dike against Chinese economic power. But the opposite remains true. With the advent of the electric car, China is building on its industrial future. In this innovative segment, it is even leaving Europe behind. Slowly, the apprentice is growing above his master. So it remains to be seen whether we are going to be able to contain Chinese economic influence. After all, how do you stop this mastodon? But we may already urgently learn from the Chinese example."

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Thoughts on China

If my information is correct, China is doing well. Although the domestic market is flagging and construction is doing badly there, the pure manufacturing industry is in good shape. China sells most electric cars worldwide, most solar panels, most batteries, etc. China had a $1 trillion trade surplus last year. That's 1,000 x $1 billion.

 

Thoughts – Jonathan Holslag & China & VRT

Thoughts - Since China expert Jonathan Holslag became mayor of the small provincial town of Tienen, state broadcaster VRT has stopped reporting news about China. Last year, Holslag was a guest on VRT 31 times. Our country has a dozen other China experts, but we rarely if ever get to see them on TV. How to explain that?

Judging by the way Holslag overwhelmed the press with his messages in the past, I am beginning to suspect that it was not the VRT that invited Holslag every time, but that Holslag bombarded the VRT with messages, each time coupled with a willingness to come to the TV studio.