Will China’s top legislature give the green light to fiscal stimulus package?

Will China’s top legislature give the green light to fiscal stimulus package?

The National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China’s top legislative body, will convene in Beijing on Monday to discuss a wide range of issues. A large fiscal stimulus, recommended by several prominent economists and hotly anticipated by investors, is likely to be among them. As markets speculate over the potential size of a fiscal package … Read more

China’s third plenum: the 5 burning questions heating up debate – and our take

China’s third plenum: the 5 burning questions heating up debate – and our take

China has – after some delay – scheduled the much-anticipated third plenum of its Communist Party’s Central Committee for Monday, with the four-day meeting expected to shape the country’s economic strategy for the next five to 10 years. Previous third plenums unveiled landmark changes. At the plenum of 1978, the policy of reform and opening … Read more

Exclusive | Stephen Roach on how Beijing can right its economic course and the US’ big China ‘blunder’

Exclusive | Stephen Roach on how Beijing can right its economic course and the US’ big China ‘blunder’

Now, nearly 11 years later, I would have to say that while the Chinese economy has progressed on many fronts, the implementation of those reforms has been disappointing. I think the critique that was raised by former Premier Wen Jiabao in March of 2007 – when he warned that the Chinese economy, while strong on … Read more

China’s rural-urban divide, tax system weigh down economic potential, former official says

China’s rural-urban divide, tax system weigh down economic potential, former official says

The third plenum of the Central Committee of China’s Communist Party, scheduled for next month, is expected to set the tone for the country’s economic policy for the next several years. In advance of that meeting, the Post is reviewing the work of notable scholars and observers about their own expectations – as well as … Read more

China needs consumption surge for full-blown economic recovery, researcher says

China needs consumption surge for full-blown economic recovery, researcher says

The third plenum of the Central Committee of China’s Communist Party, scheduled for next month, is expected to set the tone for the country’s economic policy for the next several years. In advance of that meeting, the Post is reviewing the work of notable scholars and observers about their own expectations – as well as … Read more

China’s would-be powerhouse Hunan wants officials to ‘emancipate their minds’

China’s would-be powerhouse Hunan wants officials to ‘emancipate their minds’

President Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2013, revived the slogan to call for effective local governance and it was also in evidence on Sunday in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, where top cadres used it in a pledge to drive growth. Deng Xiaoping, who took over as leader in December 1978, made “emancipate … Read more

With China’s economic plenum still unscheduled, observers worry politics remain in command

With China’s economic plenum still unscheduled, observers worry politics remain in command

Top priorities will include party discipline and cohesion, according to a statement issued after the meeting, though “high-quality development” was also emphasised. National security and upholding unity under the party and central government’s leadership remain the most crucial goals, while other matters such as youth employment and economic rejuvenation seem to rank lower, observers and … Read more

Chinese Premier Li Qiang steps up prep for maiden work report that could seek to restore private-sector confidence

Chinese Premier Li Qiang steps up prep for maiden work report that could seek to restore private-sector confidence

The world’s second-largest economy is widely expected to again aim to achieve GDP growth of around 5 per cent for this year, after having posted 5.2 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023. During a symposium on Wednesday to solicit opinions on the drafting of the annual work report, Li and Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang heard … Read more

Has surprising US economic growth strengthened Washington’s hand in China negotiations?

Has surprising US economic growth strengthened Washington’s hand in China negotiations?

After President Xi Jinping visited the US in November, both countries resumed cooperation on issues including curbing the spread of fentanyl, as well as military-to-military communication. 12:56 Fighting fentanyl: the drug from China destroying American lives Fighting fentanyl: the drug from China destroying American lives The two sides have also held meetings of financial and … Read more

China’s economic, social development under 14th 5-year plan on track despite ‘extremely unusual’ time

China’s economic, social development under 14th 5-year plan on track despite ‘extremely unusual’ time

Beijing’s top economic planner has sent out an upbeat message about China’s growth prospects in an assessment of a key economic plan amid growing calls to lift expectations for expansion. The world’s second-largest economy has advanced as expected in most aspects outlined in its 14th five-year plan covering economic and social development for 2021-25, according … Read more