At China’s top leadership, it was always possible for different political agendas to exist next to each other. But since 2012 next to Xi Jinping – up for his unprecedented third term as CCP party secretary – very few variations in leadership style have been given room, says political analyst Victor Shih at the ABC. The retirement of premier Li Keqiang finalizes Xi’s powerful position, he adds. China’s next premier is likely to be a good friend of Xi, while women and ethnic minorities make little chance.Read More →

Among the often dark outlook for China’s economy, marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok comes with some bright sparks: five emerging consumer groups. She looks at her vlog at Gen Alpha, the metaverse consumers, pet lovers, young and health-conscious consumers, and outdoor enthusiasts.Read More →

The question of when China might end its rigid zero-Covid policy is already for two years on the agenda. While a large part of the rest of the world has been helped by a rigorous vaccination program and ended most of the Covid measures, Goldman Sachs expects an end in China at best during the second quarter of 2023, according to this report by Bloomberg.Read More →

Guangzhou added in the first six months of 2022 nine new global unicorns, a privately held startup company valued at over US$1 billion – taking its total to 19, according to a new list from the Hurun List, writes the China Daily. “These unicorns are leading a new generation of disruptive technology,” says Rupert Hoogewerf, chief researcher of the Hurun Report.Read More →

China veteran lawyer Mark Schaub looks back at the three decades he was involved with China and assesses how the country might look like in 2023, in his China chit-chat. What can larger foreign companies and the smaller ones expect? And of course: what is happening to the joint ventures?Read More →