Economic Recovery

Deflation: Beijing’s blind spot or its strategy?

China’s deflation reflects both weak demand and deliberate industrial strategy. But the model depends on consumption eventually catching up, raising questions over sustainability and regional spillovers for Southeast Asia. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explains.

Genevieve Donnellon-May

Why China’s finances are weaker than they seem

While China has outlined an expansionary macroeconomic strategy, researcher Amit Kumar dives into the fiscal data that show the severe limitations of China’s fiscal capacity, such as a declining national budget revenue and high debt burden.

Amit Kumar

China’s confidence campaign: Can slogans solve economic woes?

Beijing urges the media to “sing loudly” about growth, but empty malls, job struggles and property woes show confidence must rest on real economic fundamentals, not rhetoric, says Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu.

Yang Danxu

China enters the 4% growth era: Stability over speed

Amid rising global uncertainty and frequent international trade frictions, the Chinese government’s lower national growth target reflects its emphasis on stability. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong observes that this eases the pressure on local governments but leaves international investors cautious.

Han Yong Hong

From canteens to guesthouses: China unlocks idle state property

Across China, local government canteens, state guesthouses and more state-run facilities are opening up to the general public. Not only are these places well received by the people, the move also helps generate revenue for local governments and makes use of spaces that would otherwise be idle. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan finds out more.

Meng Dandan

China’s economy is heading for a rough 2026

Economic growth might look quite bad in the early months of 2026, forcing Beijing to launch more pro-growth policies in the spring, which should help boost growth in the second quarter and later, says analyst Chen Long.

Chen Long

Hong Kong isn’t falling — it’s rewiring itself for a fragmented world

Beneath the pessimism, Hong Kong is adapting fast. Its reinvention — spanning finance, talent and integration with mainland China — may prove decisive in a fractured global landscape, say AMRO economists Jae Young Lee and Jungsung Kim.

Jae Young Lee

Too much love: China’s entrepreneurs and the perils of VIP treatment

In efforts to support economic recovery and development, Chinese officials have been rolling out the red carpet for entrepreneurs. However, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Sim Tze Wei found out that Chinese businesses would rather be left alone.

Sim Tze Wei

Less goods, fewer shipments: China’s truck drivers first to feel the pulse of the economy

Chinese truck drivers are experiencing a significant downturn in their industry despite official reports of economic growth. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with these struggling truck drivers to find out more.

Li Kang

China’s travellers return, but their spending stays home

Industry insiders say travellers are now increasingly value-driven, prioritising value for money and meaningful experiences over lavish spending.

Caixin Global

[Big read] When the market soars but the economy struggles: China’s stock puzzle

Despite a weakening economy with deflation risks and disappointing corporate profits, China’s stock index has climbed. Analysts and investors are divided on the sustainability of this market trend. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing looks into the matter.

Chen Jing

China’s surging A-share market: Recovery or bubble in disguise?

China’s A-share market has surpassed 100 trillion RMB in total capitalisation, driven by strong SOE performance, policy shifts, and attractive valuations. But with volatility and uneven gains, is this rally a sign of lasting recovery — or something less stable? East Asian Institute senior research fellow Bo Chen gives his take.

Bo Chen