CHINA: 4 takeaways from the first-quarter GDP
China reported a 6.8% year-on-year contraction of GDP for the first quarter on 17 April. Though the number marks the worst quarterly performance since the current data series began in 1992, the weak figure was widely expected, given the near-total shutdown of the economy from lat… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA: Focus on imported infections alienates foreign countries and expatriates
● China is employing harsh measures to combat a rise in imported Covid-19 infections, which now outnumber local transmissions. ● Diplomats from African countries have issued formal complaints about racist treatment of nationals of African countries in China, but African leaders … Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA/US: Is Beijing tacitly supporting anti-Western fake news online?
● Following a presidential phone call, US and Chinese officials have stopped openly attacking the other side and sought to increase cooperation to combat the virus. ● But the continued proliferation of anti-US and other anti-Western misinformation on the Chinese internet risks… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: Virus response reinforces Communist Party’s perceived legitimacy
● The Communist Party has shifted public attention away from early failures in Wuhan towards subsequent success in controlling the epidemic. ● Public cynicism towards the government co-exists alongside respect for its technocratic competence and ability to mobilize people and … Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: Policymakers are unwilling to launch aggressive economic stimulus
● In contrast to the 2008 financial crisis, China’s stimulus response has been less forceful than in the US and Europe. ● Initial March data show that the return to normal economic activity has been slow, while secondary outbreaks may require selected regions to re-impose lock… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA: Top leaders increasingly confident that coronavirus measures are working
● New cases outside Hubei province have declined for 14 consecutive days suggesting that a turning point is near. ● President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang appear increasingly willing to stake their personal credibility on the success of virus containment measures. ● Ch… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: Coronavirus does not pose imminent threat to Xi’s status
● The coronavirus epidemic poses no immediate challenge to Xi Jinping’s political standing. ● But if the crisis worsens, Xi’s enemies may use it as an opening to challenge his bid for a third term in 2022. ● Even if Xi’s personal standing weakens, the crisis is unlikely to … Become a member to […]
CHINA: Leadership changes reflect goals of centralization, financial stability
● Governance modernization and institutional reform are key priorities for the Communist Party. ● A new generation of city mayors is tasked with breaking up local patronage networks. ● Financial technocrats have been appointed as provincial leaders to deal with local debt p… Become a member to read the rest of this article