In recent years, China’s leadership has been diligently working to curtail excessive debt levels and mitigate financial risks. This effort has manifested in a sharp reduction in loans extended across various sectors of the economy. Recent data reveals that China’s total social financing, a comprehensive measure of credit and liquidity, has now reached its lowest […]
China Real Estate Crisis Moves to the $2.9 Trillion Trust Industry
China’s real estate market had been on a relentless upward trajectory, driven by urbanization and surging demand for housing. However, this growth gave rise to several issues, including housing affordability and social stability concerns. Notably, property prices in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen reached unsustainable levels, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to […]
China’s Economic Pain is Deepening. Don’t Expect a Quick Rescue
China’s economy has been characterized by double-digit growth rates, positioning it as a global economic leader. However, the past few years have seen a gradual economic deceleration. Several factors have contributed to this shift, including a demographic transition marked by an aging population, trade tensions with the United States and other trading partners, a burgeoning […]
China’s Defense Minister Excludes US in Vow to Widen Military Ties
China’s military modernization efforts over the past few decades have been nothing short of remarkable. The country has invested heavily in defense technology, infrastructure, and personnel training, rapidly transforming its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a formidable force. With the second-largest defense budget in the world, China has developed advanced weaponry, including aircraft carriers, stealth […]
Purges Don’t Move Policy in China: An Examination of Political Campaigns and Their Implications
The roots of “Purges Don’t Move” can be traced back to the early years of the People’s Republic of China. Chairman Mao Zedong initiated several campaigns, such as the Hundred Flowers Campaign (1956-1957) and the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961), which resulted in significant purges, political repression, and economic setbacks. These campaigns played a pivotal role […]
The Vanishing of a Chinese ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomat
The term “Wolf Warrior diplomacy” takes its name from two Chinese action movies, “Wolf Warrior” and “Wolf Warrior II,” which feature a patriotic Chinese soldier taking on foreign mercenaries. This new breed of diplomats is known for their combative and nationalistic rhetoric on social media and in press conferences. They often engage in fiery exchanges […]
Chinese Sanctions Enforcement Just Got Even Harder
Sanctions, as a diplomatic tool, have evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally, they involved economic restrictions such as trade embargoes and asset freezes. In recent times, however, they have grown more sophisticated. Sanctions now encompass a wide array of measures, including targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, travel bans, and even cyber sanctions. China’s rise […]
Chinese Cartel Ordered to Pay Family $18M After Fentanyl Death
The opioid crisis has unfurled its tendrils across nations, exacting a devastating toll on lives. Opioids, which encompass prescription painkillers and synthetic drugs like fentanyl, are responsible for a staggering number of overdose deaths each year. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine, has emerged as a particularly lethal player […]
Chinese Spies Who Read State Dept Email Also Hacked GOP Congressman
China has a long history of engaging in state-sponsored cyber-espionage, often targeting governments, corporations, and individuals around the world. These efforts are primarily aimed at gathering intelligence, stealing trade secrets, and advancing the nation’s strategic interests. One of the most infamous Chinese hacking groups is APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) 10, also known as Stone Panda […]
China and Russia Are Waging Another Cold War—Is the West Up to the Challenge?
The Cold War, which lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, was characterized by ideological and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. While the Cold War officially ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, recent developments suggest that a new era of great power competition […]