Economic recovery

Shoppers at a night market in the Xintiandi shopping area in Shanghai, China, on 25 March 2023. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)

Can China's economic choices build its dream society?

As the world’s second largest economy, China’s domestic consumption has a major influence on the global economy. The Chinese government has said that its focus is on boosting China's domestic economy and consumption. But how should it go about achieving it? Researcher Ding Ke says it depends on the kind of society China wants to build.
An electronic board shows stock indexes at the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai, China, 21 March 2023. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Why Shanghai's still a wonderland for international investors

Chinese academic Chen Bo explains Shanghai’s continued allure for international investors, despite the economic impact of last year’s pandemic restrictions and lockdowns.
People attend a job fair in Fuyang in China's eastern Anhui province on 29 January 2023. (AFP)

Chinese provinces' battle for talents and workers after Chinese New Year

Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan looks into the current shortage of workers in various areas of China, especially in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector. Why is it so difficult to hire and retain workers, and what does this mean for the world’s factory and the global supply chain?
People ride bicycles on a street in Beijing, China, on 9 February 2023. (Jade Gao/AFP)

China local governments’ fiscal stress may roll over to 2023, think tank warns

Data from the Chinese Ministry of Finance shows that revenue in the local general public budget dropped 2.1% to 10.9 trillion RMB in 2022. As massive tax relief, “zero-Covid” outlays, and a property market meltdown drained their coffers, China’s local governments struggled to balance revenue and spending last year. One state-backed think tank warns that the fiscal strain could continue to plague localities in 2023.
People cross a street near office towers in the Lujiazui financial district, ahead of the National People's Congress, in Shanghai, China, 28 February 2023. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Shanghai's new leader Chen Jining's all-out effort to boost economy: Will it work?

After three years of stringent Covid-19 measures, Shanghai is on its road to economic recovery. While the impact of the pandemic was severe, Shanghai officials are making efforts to bring back and reassure foreign enterprises of a conducive business environment. Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing looks at the steps taken by the officials and how effective they are.
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of international trade and industry. (SPH Media)

Q&A: Malaysia’s new trade minister explains why China matters to Southeast Asia

Caixin sat down for an exclusive interview with Malaysia’s new Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in January. He spoke about Malaysia's and ASEAN's relations with China, and his thoughts on regional and global trade.
​A couple taking photos with an installation of flowers at a shopping mall during Valentine's Day in Yantai in China's eastern Shandong province on 14 February 2022. (AFP)

Good signs for China’s economic recovery as spending booms for Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just over, The Economist’s tongue-in-cheek Cost of Loving Index reflects the high cost of living in Chinese cities compared with global cities such as New York and Paris. Zaobao’s associate editor Han Yong Hong looks deeper into the spending habits of the Chinese and what it might mean for economic recovery.
Commuters at a subway station in Beijing, China, on 15 February 2023. (Bloomberg)

China’s youths are feeling the pressure from low wages

AVIC Fund deputy general manager Deng Haiqing recently drew flak for his view that young people should not complain about their low wages because they lack capabilities. Meanwhile, netizens derided him for being a privileged elite that is far removed from the reality of life in China today. Zaobao’s China Desk explores the topic.
Young people in New Taipei City on 27 January 2023. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

Tackling the growing income gap in Taiwan

Veteran journalist Gu Erde looks at the impact of Taiwan's widening income gap, especially on the youth. Is the government doing enough to strengthen the social security network and protect people's livelihoods?