As China grapples with enormous challenges – including an imploding property sector, unfavorable demographics, and slowing growth – doubts about the future of the world’s largest growth engine are intensifying. Add to that China’s geopolitical rise, together with deepening tensions with the United States, and the need to understand China’s political economy is becoming more urgent than ever.

After my recent trip to Beijing to attend the 25th annual China Development Forum (CDF), the country’s most important public conference, one question keeps turning over in my head: What’s the point?

The United States has long dominated much of the knowledge economy, not least owing to an innovation environment that has proved highly attractive to foreign ta

During her recent visit to Beijing, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen criticized her Chinese counterparts, arguing that China’s government subsidies have led to overcapacity in crucial sectors like alternative energy and electric vehicles (EVs). This, she contended, provides Chinese companies with unfair cost advantages that enable them to outcompete American firms. But while Yellen was right to point out China’s overcapacity problem, her assertion that government subsidies are the root cause was misplaced.

As electric vehicle production ramps up in the 21st Century, a global assessment of the crucial battery production needed to sustain the industry’s growth reveals how the U.S. and China have brought their differences into this arena.

The proposed legislation to ban TikTok in the United States reflects unfounded fears of Chinese influence and undermines principles of free speech and digital competition. While concerns over data privacy and manipulation exist, banning TikTok is an overreach that could harm American businesses and international reputation without addressing more pressing issues.

The short answer is yes, but they must be willing navigate their differences in constructive ways. A good playing field on which to start is new-energy vehicles. Joint efforts by major Chinese and American EV players could accelerate the industry in America and fuel exports to the rest of the world.

The Government Work Report has defined China’s policy goals and priorities for 2024. High-quality economic and social development beckons.

China's focus on electric vehicles (EVs) over internal combustion engine cars - the "Great Leapfrogging Forward” - has significantly reshaped the global industrial landscape to China's benefit. Recognizing and accurately assessing China's capabilities instead of propagating unfounded narratives about its imminent decline constitutes the foundational first step in competing effectively with China.

IntroductionFor 2023, the Chinese Government’s target growth rate was 5%. The actual growth rate achieved was 5.2%. This must be considered a success, g