Economic reporting about China focuses far too much on total GDP and not enough on per capita GDP, which is the more revealing indicator. And this skewed coverage has important implications, because the two indicators paint significantly different pictures of China’s current economic and political situation. They also focus our attention on different issues.

2020 was an unprecedented year for the American business community due to twin pressures from a deteriorating US-China bilateral relationship and the very real human and economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s success at controlling COVID-19 domestically is commendable and has played a large part in ensuring our member companies were largely able to resume regular operations in China by the middle of Q2 of this year. By the year’s end China’s economy had reported GDP growth of 2.3 percent, the only major economy in the world to do so.

It took China just 21 years to turn from an aging society to a deeply aging one, compared with 100 years for Europe. To get from deeply aging to ultra-aging, China will require only 11 years. The trend will have a profound impact on society.

While many central banks are still investigating the possibility of issuing a digital currency, China has rolled out a digital currency via a series of pilot programs since last year.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai will meet her counterpart, Chinese vice-premier Liu He, soon.

With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) expected to take effect next year, China steps up building its first free trade port in Hainan. It shows how Beijing is preparing to capitalize and contribute to the success of the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA).

China’s record 1st quarter performance will accelerate momentum and support global economic prospects. But new trade wars could once again derail global recovery.

China is working to assert itself as a global leader in digital currency through the implementation of the digital yuan. The results of this could unravel the global financial system at worst, but at best, could establish a global infrastructure with equal monetary anchors.

The strengthening of the economy also means growing attractiveness for global investors. During the first quarter of 2021, FDI inflows to China accelerated tremendously, and there are good opportunities for U.S. investors, with no chance to lose.

While the agreement would help combat some long-standing global problems, it would also curtail many countries’ competitiveness and undermine their tax sovereignty in the long run.