This Month
China sets lowest growth target for three decades as old model falters
Beijing announced a historically low growth target of 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent at its annual parliamentary showcase meeting closely watched by investors.
February
In a dire economy, young Chinese are paying big for this one thing
China’s rent-a-partner market is booming this Lunar New Year holiday, as young singles pay thousands of yuan to dodge marriage pressure from their families.
IMF urges China to slash subsidies damaging other nations
The IMF has urged China to cut industrial subsidies and pivot to consumption-led growth, warning its export-driven model is fuelling global trade tensions.
Why this trending toy best captures China’s gloom
A red plush horse designed to beam optimism was released with its mouth mistakenly sewn upside down. The accidental frown better reflects the public mood.
January
China’s population plummets in blow to baby drive
China’s birth rate fell last year to its lowest level since 1949, highlighting a deep demographic struggle despite incentives to encourage couples to have children.
China hits growth target as exports boom, defying Trump’s trade war
Beijing reported robust economic growth thanks to a surge in exports despite Donald Trump’s tariffs, and as it ramped up its Belt and Road investment overseas.
November 2025
China’s debt shock is coming. Our high house prices won’t protect us
Within three years, Beijing must rebalance from investment to consumption, putting downwards pressure on iron ore prices. Australia’s economy isn’t ready.
August 2025
Trade war deepens decline for China’s powerhouse province
US tariffs have exacerbated a slowdown in Guangdong, a region crucial to Beijing.
China’s economy slows sharply as trade pressures mount
Industrial production and retail expanded by the slowest pace this year as policymakers battle deflation and pressures from Donald Trump tariffs.
July 2025
‘Not going to last’: China’s economy holds steady for now
China’s economy grew 5.2 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter as resilience in exports helped to offset sluggish domestic demand in the giant economy.
Rumours of Xi’s downfall distract from China’s real challenges
The notion that Xi Jinping is about to be toppled is a distraction from the real cleavages in Chinese politics.
The fading power of Xi Jinping
In a system built on secrecy, no one knows the reality behind the scenes, but there are signs China’s leader could be in political trouble.
June 2025
Cash-strapped Beijing drinkers turn to unlicensed ‘home bars’
The proliferation of illicit bars is a reminder that the world’s second-largest economy was already suffering from weak consumption even before the tariff war.
China steel demand slump an ‘ominous’ sign for ASX miners
The latest data from the world’s second-largest economy does not bode well for the ASX’s iron ore giants.
April 2025
A master’s no longer a golden ticket – just ask the AI job interviewer
Wendy Qin has a higher degree in management on top of her commerce degree. She applied for 40 jobs before landing her first gig.
March 2025
Signs of consumer pick-up as China fights off tariff hit
Data released on Tuesday showed retail sales rose 4 per cent in the January-February period, better than a 3.7 per cent rise in December.
China set to repeat 5pc growth target at annual political gathering
Investors and markets are watching the National People’s Congress for signs of how Xi Jinping plans to withstand Donald Trump’s tariffs on the sluggish economy.
February 2025
DeepSeek is a sign of China’s structural shift, not decline
Contrary to the narrative that China’s private sector has been squeezed into irrelevance, major developments in new industries are being led by young entrepreneurs.
January 2025
China’s economy loses steam ahead of new year holiday
The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 49.1, the lowest since August, missing economists’ forecast for a modest expansion.
Has China already reached peak oil?
The country’s demand for crude seems to be plateauing sooner than expected. The implications are huge
