Xi Taps Harvard-Educated Adviser to Tighten Grip on China’s Economy - March 19, 2018

March 19 , 2018

The New York Times：Xi Taps Harvard-Educated Adviser to Tighten Grip on China's Economy
The New York Times reports: "China's president, Xi Jinping, has handed the reins of the country's financial system to a close ally, strengthening his hold over the world's second-largest economy and sending a clear signal that companies must reduce risky borrowing. Liu He, an economic adviser to Mr. Xi and previous leaders, was appointed on Monday as vice premier overseeing financial and industrial policy after a ritual vote by China's legislature, the National People's Congress. His title comes with greater powers after a move by Mr. Xi to centralize control over the financial sector by consolidating banking and insurance regulators. Mr. Liu's closeness to Mr. Xi appears likely to enhance his influence."
CNBC：China could take military action in response to US legislation on Taiwan, state news outlet says
CNBC reports: "China should and will take military action if the U.S. decides to press ahead with legislation designed to encourage high-level contact with Taiwanese officials, according to a report by state media outlet The Global Times. The legislation, known as the Taiwan Travel Act, came into effect Friday after President Donald Trump signed the bill. China was reportedly angered by the move, as it has long-viewed the self-ruled island as a wayward province."
TIME：These Are the Men (and One Woman) Filling China's Top Posts
TIME reports: "The new cabinet announced Monday by China is the culmination of months of leadership reshuffles that saw President Xi Jinping assert his dominance over policy making. The lineup includes recently promoted Communist Party leaders, veteran ministers and a few new faces. While many investors will be focused on changes to China's economic and financial regulators, several other key officials will also shape the country's policies over the next five years."

Calendar

2018-03-18 Forty-five US trade groups urge Trump to avoid tariffs against China
2018-03-16 Trump Readies Sweeping Tariffs and Investment Restrictions on China
2018-03-15 Boeing would be on the front lines of a trade war with China
2018-03-14 Chinese investment in the U.S. could grind to a halt
2018-03-13 China sets up new foreign aid agency to better project influence abroad
2018-03-12 South Korea moves to ease Chinese jitters over US-North Korea talks
2018-03-11 US protectionism could set off a digital trade war
2018-03-09 Trump's next trade target: China's IP theft
2018-03-08 U.S. Asks China for Plan to Reduce Trade Deficit by $100 Billion
2018-03-07 The U.S. Wants to Take On China With Trade. The Rest of the World Will Be Caught in the Middle.