In this interview with CUSEF President James Chau, Professor Lawrence Lau discusses his book "Is the Chinese Economy a Miracle or a Bubble?" and explains China'

Some political elites in the United States believe that the government can pressure companies that have left the country to return on the basis of national security. This simplistic view ignores the laws of economic development, emphasizing the rosy up-side while ignoring the negative consequences.

The 2024 U.S. election is not just about democracy but about big media, big money and big defense. It is setting the stage for a new trade war and lethal geopolitics that could destabilize global economic prospects for years to come.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are undergoing transformations in which China can play an important role. Premier Li Qiang’s visit reinforced them by focusing on trade, business, investment and diplomacy. This reflects China’s broader policy prioritizing economic cooperation over geopolitical entanglement.

The multilateral trading system faces an existential challenge as Washington and Brussels look to continue, or even boost, protectionism. With the very survival of the WTO at stake, the world should stand up to the challenge.

The 2024 elections in Africa are pivotal. And as countries like South Africa and Rwanda navigate their elections, the future of their relationships with China—marked by substantial investments and strategic partnerships—will play a key role in shaping their economic trajectories and governance models.

The multilateral trading system faces an existential challenge as the United States and European Union seek to continue — or even expand — trade protectionism. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, there are good reasons to believe that he will try again to hijack the World Trade Organization. Meanwhile, protectionism by Europe only makes things worse.

The implications of recent stock market volatility in the United States, combined with slowing job growth and rising unemployment, are causing a panic and triggering discussions about an inflection point. The signs of a recession are rattling the market’s shared hope for a soft landing.

Only through steadfast multilateral policy coordination and flexible, effective measures can global financial markets weather the storm safely and achieve stability and development.

American trade policy is no substitute for domestic structural rebalancing. Imbalances are driving foreign policies and trade policies that appeal during electoral cycles but which mask the root causes of American malaise and its spillover effects on global stability and prosperity.