China’s Politburo warns of economic risks as Communist Party readies for third plenum

“The complexity, severity and uncertainty of the external environment have spiked,” it said, according to a statement released by state news agency Xinhua. The session, also known as a plenum, traditionally sets economic strategy for the next five to 10 years and is often seen as the most important of the seven party gatherings held … Read more

As it happened: China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024 – Premier Li Qiang sets GDP target of around 5% for the year

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing in our spring flash sale. Premier Li Qiang will deliver his first government work report at the meeting, offering a glimpse into the central government’s economic goals and foreign policy as well as its … Read more

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 leaders hint at increased focus on politics and Communist Party discipline for coming year

The central government may still unveil more forceful stimulus packages later at the annual “two sessions”, when the national legislature and top political advisory body meet, but it is unlikely Beijing will make economic growth the only priority. But, in a break with precedent, Wednesday’s meeting concluded with no reference to the third plenum, an … Read more

Why is China mixing its economic messages when business confidence is so low?

The move immediately raised fears of the sorts of industrial clampdowns the market has seen in other sectors, triggering a global sell-off in China’s tech stocks and wiping out billions of dollars of value. The regulator then sacked Feng Shixin, a long-serving official and publication bureau chief at the NPPA, sources told the South China … Read more