China’s Politburo promises ‘active’ moves to bolster domestic demand in 2025

China’s Politburo promises ‘active’ moves to bolster domestic demand in 2025

China will adopt a “more active” set of policies to expand domestic demand in 2025 with “moderately loose” monetary tools – language not used by high-level authorities since the global financial crisis in 2009 – officials said following a meeting on Monday. A summary statement issued after a gathering of the country’s Politburo – a … Read more

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 localities need ‘profound reform’ to draw investment, state newspaper says

China’s localities need ‘profound reform’ to draw investment, state newspaper says

China’s localities should reduce their dependence on land and tax incentives and instead strengthen industrial chains and improve their business environments to attract investment, a state-owned newspaper has urged in a front-page commentary. Aggressive land deals, tax breaks and subsidies – frequently used to drive investment by local governments in past decades – have led … Read more

China stays the course on reform after third plenum, leaving Western businesses in limbo

China stays the course on reform after third plenum, leaving Western businesses in limbo

“Instead, it seems that we must prepare for a policy marked by caution and continuity.” Third plenums – this one a meeting of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee – have historically precipitated extensive changes to the country’s economy, with sweeping ideological statements issued to chart the course of policy for the next five years … Read more

Has China, after long-awaited third plenum, given its market a demotion?

Has China, after long-awaited third plenum, given its market a demotion?

The use of “better leverage” in reference to the role of the market at the twice-a-decade event – formally known as the third plenum of the party’s 20th Central Committee – slightly deviates from rhetoric used at the same gatherings in 2013 and 2018, when the market was granted a “decisive role” in resource allocation. … 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

Chinese scholars suggest official line between entrepreneurs, capitalists to jolt private-sector spirit

Chinese scholars suggest official line between entrepreneurs, capitalists to jolt private-sector spirit

The term “capitalist” holds derogatory connotations in China, an officially socialist country whose constitution upholds public ownership as the “mainstay” of the economic hierarchy. While private property rights were enshrined in a 2004 amendment to the country’s founding document, the non-state sector has remained relegated to a supporting role. In a recently published book, Views … Read more

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: securities regulator comes out swinging at first press conference

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: securities regulator comes out swinging at first press conference

However, he added, “if the market gets out of control and experiences huge irrational shake-ups, liquidity runs, investor panic, a major investment confidence breakdown … [the commission] should make resolute moves to fix dysfunction.” The conference, held with other high-level officials on Wednesday, took place on the sidelines of the “two sessions”, the annual meetings … Read more

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: did Premier Li Qiang’s speech move the needle for foreign, private business?

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: did Premier Li Qiang’s speech move the needle for foreign, private business?

Beijing is angling to revive confidence in private entrepreneurs and foreign investors via a renewed campaign for a unified national market and better business environment – an essential task to fulfil its ambitious expansion target of around 5 per cent and ensure economic stability in 2024. In his maiden government work report on Tuesday, Premier … 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