Going by official media, the intensity of pledges of allegiance to the president were reminiscent of the 1960s heyday of Mao Zedong. But the Chinese people have grown more mature about political indoctrination.

Despite repeated requests from Beijing for state-owned banks to lend to the private sector, it is still difficult for small and medium-sized firms to obtain credit

With its firm stance on unity remaining unchanged, Beijing is now looking to Hong Kong to do its part in economic progress and share the rewards that result

The proposed 7.5 per cent increase is justified when Beijing, which has a stated path of peaceful growth, needs to defend its interests and modernise

Showdown helped shape premier’s work report with references to challenges and risks but besides tax cuts and help for private sector, there was emphasis on the importance of investment in research