Fu’s tenure in Brussels coincided with growing tensions over Beijing’s relations with Russia and probes into alleged electric vehicle subsidies.

Beijing has defended China’s ambitious goal of growing the economy by ‘around 5 per cent’ this year, insisting it matches the potential for economic growth, but analysts say there are still issues to be addressed.

Study finds disparity between men and women has grown in China, with researchers seeing the ‘magnitude of the ‘she-cession’, where the Covid-induced economic slowdown disproportionately impacted the female labour force.

Li Qiang’s chat with business leaders and trusted economists puts the onus on what can be done at home while the external environment becomes ‘increasingly complex, severe’.

China is accelerating commercialisation of higher-yielding genetically modified (GM) crops as part of its efforts to improve agricultural efficiency amid Beijing’s food security push.

Though China’s 5G market and userbase are already the world’s largest, a recent study has found the sector is positioned for even more growth as tech development becomes a new engine for long-term growth.

President Xi has told financial cadres that their monetary policy toolkit must include a controversial means of injecting liquidity into China’s economy – one that has not been used in two decades.

Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.

China’s state health insurance system regulator plays down concerns over a fall in the number of participants in the voluntary urban and rural residents’ scheme.

People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has named two new academic advisers for its monetary policy committee, which submits advice to the State Council on key moves including interest rate changes and the value of the yuan.

Beijing has urged higher efficiency in land use after decades of rapid urbanisation, with signals that it could reform China’s rigid system to aid economic growth.

A new action plan kicks off on Friday, but details remain scarce about how exactly the megacity will address some of the biggest concerns facing foreign firms operating in China.

As China faces numerous questions over its economic viability in the long term, some are advocating for a removal of barriers to rural land trading to jolt growth back to previous heights.

Attacks by internet users on China’s biggest water company have prompted concerns over whether other private businesses will come under boycott, hampering growth at a time when the country needs it most.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, delegates at this week’s ‘two sessions’ parliamentary gatherings call for reproductive reforms and highlight problems that remain prevalent in China’s rural areas.

In his address to China’s top legislature, the country’s premier listed urban residency for migrant workers as a priority – a proposal which would grant access to better public services and tap a reservoir of demand in the process.

CPPCC spokesman talks up the country’s economic prospects, pointing to increased holiday spending over the Lunar New Year.

The figure, which marks a rise of 100 million over five years, was released at a time when the authorities are looking to domestic consumption to boost growth.

High-profile economist and former State Council researcher warns that potential US capital injections in China, following any Fed rate cuts, might be tumultuous for already-battered markets.

To stabilise the economy while shoring up innovation and green development, China’s leadership is taking a more heavy-handed approach to financial governance.

China Comment report says local authorities and agricultural companies fabricated crop yield results to either enhance their image or secure financial support amid an ongoing food security drive.

The Central Financial Commission has vowed to keep policies in line with international rules and avoid jarring turns in regulation in an attempt to reverse or mitigate 2023’s precipitous drops in stock value and foreign investment.

‘Inaction and slackness’ at local levels of government are seen as potential threats to Beijing’s revitalisation vision ahead of the Communist Party’s delayed third plenum gathering.

Gone are the days when the property and stock markets yielded guaranteed gains in China, leading to middle-class investors becoming more risk-averse with their hard-earned savings and familial wealth.

China faces a surplus of 1.5 million primary school teachers and 370,000 middle schoolteachers by 2035, with the number of kindergarten students falling for the first time in nearly two decades in 2021.

Chinese are debating a superstitious belief that the coming lunar year will bode badly for marriages, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs is paying attention.

Profits at China’s largest industrial enterprises fell for a second consecutive year in 2023, but analysts say they could increase by between 7 and 11 per cent this year due to an improved export outlook.

A record high 9 billion trips are set to be made within China during the annual 40-day ‘chun yun’ travel period, which starts on Friday, but economists say there are other priorities to ensure economic growth in 2024.

China’s push against data fabrication has been ‘greatly strengthened’ after the practice was added to the Communist Party’s disciplinary regulations last month, according to the statistics bureau.

The State Council says officers forged signatures in nearly 2,000 cases last year.