Given the current challenges to China’s economy, such as the soft property market and weak domestic demand, how achievable is China’s growth target of 5% for this year? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.
Economic recovery
Society
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu notes that the recent public outcry against the heads of two prominent private enterprises for apparent transgressions in the name of “patriotism” does not bode well for the authorities’ efforts in support of the private sector.
Economy
Red-hot spending data over the recent Spring Festival in China caused the stock market in Hong Kong to rise three days in a row after it resumed trading first, with the country’s A-shares following suit a few days later. How long will this recovery in spending and such positive market sentiments last? Will this allow the Chinese economy to shake off fears of deflation and get over its confidence crisis? What other stabilising measures will the authorities introduce?
Economy
Academic Chen Gang notes that while China needs to reform its current economy to maintain growth, whatever adjustments that are made will have to be bearable for the people. Also, some measures may be painful, but necessary.
Economy
One of Shanghai’s commercial areas has seen a boost in consumption since the New Year, partly driven by the popularity of the Blossoms Shanghai television series. Even as consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels, officials will need to do more to ensure that this recovery remains sustainable over the long term. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.
Economy
Chinese academic Han Heyuan notes that amid longstanding challenges, an emerging issue could sink China’s capital market further in dire straits: a declining population.
Economy
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) left a key interest rate unchanged on 15 January, leading the country’s major lenders to keep their benchmark interest rates on hold a week later. The PBOC has been constrained in its ability to cut interest rates over concerns that such a move would drive more capital out of China in search of higher returns. Even so, analysts say the next window of opportunity for a rate cut is likely to be in March or in the next quarter.
Economy
In his recent speech at the World Economic Forum, Argentina’s President Javier Milei pointed out that collectivist experiments are never the solution to the problems afflicting the citizens of the world, but are, on the contrary, the cause. Commentator Jin Jian Guo takes a closer look at Milei’s criticisms and assertions.
Society
As the Chinese New Year approaches, many Hong Kongers have the tradition of travelling to Shenzhen to enjoy reunion dinners at lower cost with better service compared with back home. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Daryl Lim speaks with diners and restaurant managers to find out more about this trend during the festive season.