China’s economy is showing signs of recovery: wages are rising, growth is steady, and stimulus is flowing. But for Li, the decision to cut back stems from a lingering sense of uncertainty, an instinct now driving millions to spend less and save more. The numbers bear it out. China’s per capita saving rate hit 34.3% in 2022 — the highest in a decade. While it has declined slightly since, the rate remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Similar spikes were seen around the world at the time, but in China, the pattern has stuck.
onsdag 23. april 2025
Behind China’s Growth Numbers, a Nation Still Saving
When Li Rui was earning 30,000 yuan ($4,000) a month from part-time jobs, he burned through most of it on gadgets, takeout, and nights out. Now, as a full-time Ph.D. student in Beijing living on just 5,000 yuan in bursaries and scholarships, he saves more than ever. “I’m saving more than 60% of my income now,” says the 27-year-old. “Before, it was only about 20%, if that.”
China’s economy is showing signs of recovery: wages are rising, growth is steady, and stimulus is flowing. But for Li, the decision to cut back stems from a lingering sense of uncertainty, an instinct now driving millions to spend less and save more. The numbers bear it out. China’s per capita saving rate hit 34.3% in 2022 — the highest in a decade. While it has declined slightly since, the rate remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Similar spikes were seen around the world at the time, but in China, the pattern has stuck.
China’s economy is showing signs of recovery: wages are rising, growth is steady, and stimulus is flowing. But for Li, the decision to cut back stems from a lingering sense of uncertainty, an instinct now driving millions to spend less and save more. The numbers bear it out. China’s per capita saving rate hit 34.3% in 2022 — the highest in a decade. While it has declined slightly since, the rate remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Similar spikes were seen around the world at the time, but in China, the pattern has stuck.
Pope’s death receives muted official response in China, which has a tense relationship with the Vatican
As the world rushed to pay tribute to Pope Francis following his death, the response has been comparatively muted in China – an officially atheist state with millions of Catholics whose government has had a difficult and complex relationship with the Vatican.
In the passing of Pope Francis, Beijing loses a well-respected global leader who had pushed the Vatican closer to China’s Communist Party leadership than any of his predecessors. Nonetheless, Chinese state-controlled media’s coverage on his death has been terse. The Chinese government extended its condolences nearly 24 hours after the Vatican’s announcement of the pope’s death – when asked about it at a regular news conference at its foreign ministry.
In the passing of Pope Francis, Beijing loses a well-respected global leader who had pushed the Vatican closer to China’s Communist Party leadership than any of his predecessors. Nonetheless, Chinese state-controlled media’s coverage on his death has been terse. The Chinese government extended its condolences nearly 24 hours after the Vatican’s announcement of the pope’s death – when asked about it at a regular news conference at its foreign ministry.
Trade war with US triggers wave of factory ‘holidays’ in China’s export hubs
As the U.S.-China trade war heats up, businesses in major export hubs in southeastern China are announcing factory “holidays” – halting production and slashing employee wages and work hours – while turning to social commerce platforms to sell stockpiled goods, as they grapple with a sharp drop in overseas orders.
It’s a phenomenon sweeping across China’s export-driven provinces like Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangsu, where manufacturers – weighed down by a large backlog of unsold merchandise – are issuing a flurry of “holiday notices” to announce they are suspending operations at factories. To clear large piles of inventory, companies are now resorting to selling the leftover export goods through social commerce platforms, such as TikTok and Taobao, at heavily marked-down rates.
Merchandise ranging from yoga pants and footwear to home appliances and blankets — originally intended to be exported to the U.S. — are now being sold online by Chinese export companies or their employees at bargain prices, multiple videos reviewed by RFA on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, show.
It’s a phenomenon sweeping across China’s export-driven provinces like Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangsu, where manufacturers – weighed down by a large backlog of unsold merchandise – are issuing a flurry of “holiday notices” to announce they are suspending operations at factories. To clear large piles of inventory, companies are now resorting to selling the leftover export goods through social commerce platforms, such as TikTok and Taobao, at heavily marked-down rates.
Merchandise ranging from yoga pants and footwear to home appliances and blankets — originally intended to be exported to the U.S. — are now being sold online by Chinese export companies or their employees at bargain prices, multiple videos reviewed by RFA on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, show.
Trump now says China tariffs will come down substantially, but won’t be zero
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that recently imposed tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially,” but won’t be zero, in the latest zigzag for Washington’s stance on global trade.
The U.S. and China are waging a tit-for-tat trade battle, which threatens to stunt the global economy. The U.S. imposed tariffs of 145% on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs reaching 125% on American goods. The U.S. also has imposed new tariffs on most other countries. Trump told a White House news conference that “145% is very high” and could be lowered through China-U.S. negotiations. “It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero ‒ used to be zero. We were just destroyed. China was taking us for a ride.”
The U.S. and China are waging a tit-for-tat trade battle, which threatens to stunt the global economy. The U.S. imposed tariffs of 145% on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs reaching 125% on American goods. The U.S. also has imposed new tariffs on most other countries. Trump told a White House news conference that “145% is very high” and could be lowered through China-U.S. negotiations. “It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero ‒ used to be zero. We were just destroyed. China was taking us for a ride.”
'I've had 100 operations and will never stop' - inside China's cosmetic surgery boom
Abby Wu was just 14 when she had cosmetic surgery for the first time. After receiving hormone treatment for an illness, Abby's weight increased from 42kg (6 stone 8lbs) to 62kg (9 stone 11lbs) in two months. The change hadn't gone unnoticed by her drama teacher. "My teacher said, 'You were our star but now you're too fat. Either give up or lose weight fast,'" recalls Abby, who was preparing for her drama exams at the time.
Abby's mother stepped in, taking her to get liposuction to remove fat from her belly and legs. Abby remembers her mother's words as she waited in the clinic in a hospital gown, nervous about the impending operation. "Just be brave and walk in. You'll become pretty once you're out."
The surgery was traumatic. Abby was only given partial anaesthesia and remained conscious throughout.
Abby's mother stepped in, taking her to get liposuction to remove fat from her belly and legs. Abby remembers her mother's words as she waited in the clinic in a hospital gown, nervous about the impending operation. "Just be brave and walk in. You'll become pretty once you're out."
The surgery was traumatic. Abby was only given partial anaesthesia and remained conscious throughout.
US wants to slap tariffs as high as 3,500% on solar panels from Southeast Asia
US trade officials finalized steep tariff levels on most solar cells from Southeast Asia, a key step toward wrapping up a year-old trade case in which American manufacturers accused Chinese companies of flooding the market with unfairly cheap goods. The case was brought last year by Korea’s Hanwha Qcells, Arizona-based First Solar Inc and several smaller producers seeking to protect billions of dollars in investments in US solar manufacturing.
The petitioner group, the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, accused big Chinese solar panel makers with factories in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam of shipping panels priced below their cost of production and of receiving unfair subsidies that make American goods uncompetitive.
The petitioner group, the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, accused big Chinese solar panel makers with factories in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam of shipping panels priced below their cost of production and of receiving unfair subsidies that make American goods uncompetitive.
Cambodia’s controversial canal project gets boost on Xi visit
A pet project of Cambodia’s ruling Hun clan to build a canal linking the capital with the Gulf of Thailand got a boost as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s rounded off a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia on Friday. The Cambodian government reported the signing Thursday of a public-private partnership contract with China worth $1.15 billion to fund Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal project. The ambitious project was launched last year but work stopped soon after groundbreaking amid questions over funding for the 151 kilometer (94 mile)-long canal that would link a branch of the Mekong River to a port on the Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook that he met with Wang Tong Zhou, president of the China Communications Construction Company to discuss the construction of the canal. Senate President Hun Sen also posted that in his meeting with the Chinese president, Xi voiced support for the project.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said on Facebook that the two sides signed five agreements, including the public-private partnership contract, a shareholder agreement, an investment agreement, an engineering, procurement and construction contract, and an operation and maintenance contract.
Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook that he met with Wang Tong Zhou, president of the China Communications Construction Company to discuss the construction of the canal. Senate President Hun Sen also posted that in his meeting with the Chinese president, Xi voiced support for the project.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said on Facebook that the two sides signed five agreements, including the public-private partnership contract, a shareholder agreement, an investment agreement, an engineering, procurement and construction contract, and an operation and maintenance contract.
tirsdag 22. april 2025
"Midtens rike - En vandring i Kinas historie" er i salg - revidert og utvidet, og i ny drakt
For 16 år siden utga jeg boken "Midtens rike - En vandring i Kinas historie" (Cappelen Damm, 2009). Senere er den trykket og utgitt i flere runder, og den også oversatt til fremmede språk. Nå foreligger en ny og revidert utgave - i ny drakt. Bokens forside viser en av Kinas store keisere, Qianlong, til hest. Qianlong styrte landet i en lang periode på 1700-tallet. Bildet er malt av den italienske jesuitten Giuseppe Castiglione, som bodde i Beijing og som fikk i oppdrag å male keiseren. Forsiden er designet av Stian Hole.
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mandag 21. april 2025
Chinese artist fined for filming Uyghur folk music in Xinjiang
A Chinese artist has been fined for “illegal filming” of folk music in Xinjiang - even as China promotes state-sponsored performances of Uyghur singers and dancers in Europe that have angered Uyghur activists. The Chinese artist, Guo Zhenming, who is known for his work commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, told Radio Free Asia he was fined 75,000 yuan (US$10,300) and had all his equipment and materials confiscated over what he said was just a personal project not a film for distribution.
OPINION: RFA Uyghur Service is a light that pierces the darkness of China’s rule
When I was a Uyghur child living in communist China in the 1970s, we had no way of knowing what was happening around the world, within China, or even to our own Uyghur people in our homeland of East Turkistan (also known as Xinjiang, China). For colonized people like us, living under a total information blackout and bombarded by communist propaganda 24/7, discovering the truth was not a luxury - it was a yearning, something we sometimes risked our lives for.
I remember those days vividly. My father would gather us in the dead of night and begin tuning our old radio, searching for foreign broadcasts to find out what was happening in our homeland, where we lived. Due to the Chinese Communist Party’s strict media control and harsh punishment for those who sought outside information, this was an act of defiance.
At the time, the only source of information for the Uyghur people was propaganda in the state-run media. Yet, despite the risks, we longed to hear the truth. In our home in the capital, Urumqi, we had a microwave-sized radio with glowing tubes inside. My father would carefully fine-tune it by hand each night. Sometimes the signal was clear; other times it was full of static. But it was the only source of free news from the outside world.
I remember those days vividly. My father would gather us in the dead of night and begin tuning our old radio, searching for foreign broadcasts to find out what was happening in our homeland, where we lived. Due to the Chinese Communist Party’s strict media control and harsh punishment for those who sought outside information, this was an act of defiance.
At the time, the only source of information for the Uyghur people was propaganda in the state-run media. Yet, despite the risks, we longed to hear the truth. In our home in the capital, Urumqi, we had a microwave-sized radio with glowing tubes inside. My father would carefully fine-tune it by hand each night. Sometimes the signal was clear; other times it was full of static. But it was the only source of free news from the outside world.
Boeing jet returns to US from China, a victim of Trump’s tariff war
A Boeing jet intended for use by a Chinese airline landed back at the planemaker’s U.S. production hub on Saturday, a victim of the tit-for-tat bilateral tariffs launched by President Donald Trump in his global trade offensive. The 737 MAX, which was meant for China’s Xiamen Airlines, landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field at 6:11 p.m., according to a Reuters witness. It was painted with Xiamen livery.
The jet, which made refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its 5,000-mile (8,000-km) return journey, was one of several 737 MAX jets waiting at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center for final work and delivery to a Chinese carrier.
The jet, which made refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its 5,000-mile (8,000-km) return journey, was one of several 737 MAX jets waiting at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center for final work and delivery to a Chinese carrier.
Trump this month raised baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. In retaliation, China has imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. goods. A Chinese airline taking delivery of a Boeing jet could be crippled by the tariffs, given that a new 737 MAX has a market value of around $55 million, according to IBA, an aviation consultancy.
Beijing warns countries against colluding with US to restrict trade with China
Beijing has warned its trading partners against succumbing to US pressure to restrict trade with China in exchange for exemption from President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs. Commenting on recent media reports about US plans to use tariff negotiations to isolate China’s economy, a spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry said on Monday: “Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect.”
“Seeking temporary self-interest at the expense of others — in exchange for so-called exemptions — is like asking a tiger for its skin. In the end, it will achieve nothing and harm both others and oneself,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“Seeking temporary self-interest at the expense of others — in exchange for so-called exemptions — is like asking a tiger for its skin. In the end, it will achieve nothing and harm both others and oneself,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
søndag 20. april 2025
Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw to be redrawn following earthquake
The layout of Myanmar's capital city Nay Pyi Taw will be redrawn after the devastating earthquake last month, the country's military ruler has said. During a government meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that buildings which collapsed during the earthquake were so badly affected because they were built on soft soil. Office buildings will be rebuilt and must be resistant to future earthquakes, he said, with tests on soil also being conducted before any rebuilding is done.
The BBC has seen evidence indicating about 70% of government buildings were damaged by the quake in the capital, and some offices have reportedly been moved to Yangon. Myanmar was devastated by a huge earthquake which hit the country on 28 March. The 7.7 magnitude quake was so strong it was felt in Thailand and south-west China. According to state media, over 3,500 people were killed and 5,012 were injured in Myanmar as a result of the quake.
The BBC has seen evidence indicating about 70% of government buildings were damaged by the quake in the capital, and some offices have reportedly been moved to Yangon. Myanmar was devastated by a huge earthquake which hit the country on 28 March. The 7.7 magnitude quake was so strong it was felt in Thailand and south-west China. According to state media, over 3,500 people were killed and 5,012 were injured in Myanmar as a result of the quake.
What China's Reported Boeing Boycott Means for the Company
Boeing has reportedly been launched into the center of the U.S.-China trade war, adding to the difficulties already facing America's largest aircraft manufacturer. According to Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Beijing has directed its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing aircraft, with a halt also placed on imports of aircraft-related parts from all American companies. The Wall Street Journal later reported that Chinese officials are also now requiring airlines to seek approval before accepting delivery of orders that have already been placed.
Boeing declined to comment on the reports when contacted by Newsweek.
China's U.S. embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Newsweek he was not aware of the specific situation involving Boeing but said, "China has repeatedly made its position clear: there are no winners in a tariff or trade war. Imposing tariff hikes, resorting to pressure and coercion, these are not the right way to engage with China. We urge the U.S. side to give up its wrong approach of maximum pressure and instead resolve differences through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit."
Boeing declined to comment on the reports when contacted by Newsweek.
China's U.S. embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Newsweek he was not aware of the specific situation involving Boeing but said, "China has repeatedly made its position clear: there are no winners in a tariff or trade war. Imposing tariff hikes, resorting to pressure and coercion, these are not the right way to engage with China. We urge the U.S. side to give up its wrong approach of maximum pressure and instead resolve differences through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit."
Trump Admin Declares China 'Lab Leak' the True Origins of COVID-19
The Trump administration has doubled down on the lab-leak theory of COVID-19's origins, publishing an in-depth statement Friday accusing public health officials and intelligence agencies of suppressing the theory for political purposes.
"Public health officials often mislead the American people through conflicting messaging, knee-jerk reactions, and a lack of transparency. Most egregiously, the federal government demonized alternative treatments and disfavored narratives, such as the lab leak theory, in a shameful effort to coerce and control the American people's health decisions," the new White House webpage said.
The White House took aim at Dr. Anthony Fauci directly, saying he pushed "the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally." The release follows a declassified CIA report that assessed the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a research lab in Wuhan, China. The assessment, released Saturday, emphasized that both lab-related and natural origins remain plausible and admitted a "low confidence" rating in its findings.
"Public health officials often mislead the American people through conflicting messaging, knee-jerk reactions, and a lack of transparency. Most egregiously, the federal government demonized alternative treatments and disfavored narratives, such as the lab leak theory, in a shameful effort to coerce and control the American people's health decisions," the new White House webpage said.
The White House took aim at Dr. Anthony Fauci directly, saying he pushed "the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally." The release follows a declassified CIA report that assessed the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a research lab in Wuhan, China. The assessment, released Saturday, emphasized that both lab-related and natural origins remain plausible and admitted a "low confidence" rating in its findings.
The forgotten Indian explorer who uncovered an ancient civilisation
An Indian archaeologist, whose career was marked by brilliance and controversy, made one of the world's greatest historical discoveries. Yet he remains largely forgotten today. In the early 1900s, Rakhaldas Banerjee (also spelled Banerji) unearthed Mohenjo-daro - meaning "mound of the dead men" in the Sindhi language - in present-day Pakistan. It was the largest city of the thriving Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation, which stretched from north-east Afghanistan to north-west India during the Bronze Age.
Banerjee, an intrepid explorer and talented epigraphist, worked for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) when the country was under British colonial rule. He spent months travelling to distant corners of the subcontinent, looking for ancient artefacts, ruins and scripts. But while his discovery of Mohenjo-daro was ground-breaking, Banerjee's legacy is clouded by disputes.
Banerjee, an intrepid explorer and talented epigraphist, worked for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) when the country was under British colonial rule. He spent months travelling to distant corners of the subcontinent, looking for ancient artefacts, ruins and scripts. But while his discovery of Mohenjo-daro was ground-breaking, Banerjee's legacy is clouded by disputes.
lørdag 19. april 2025
Donald Trump Could Struggle to Force Europe's Hand on China
As relations between the U.S. and China deteriorate, the European Union risks becoming caught in the crosshairs. And any attempt by President Donald Trump to force the EU to choose between the two countries is unlikely to succeed, experts told Newsweek.
Trump initially went for a wide-ranging tariff hike on all trading partners, with China hit hardest. He would pause the majority of what he called "reciprocal" tariffs, including the 20 percent targeting the EU, while still maintaining the baseline 10 percent on all countries. But with China, he would engage in tit-for-tat rises with President Xi Jinping, which have culminated to 245 percent on most Chinese goods.
While the tariff increases have appeared to have paused for now, the U.S. is hitting at China via its other trading partners. But Kyle Haynes, assistant professor at Purdue University's department of political science told Newsweek that while the Trump administration was "trying to force Europe to choose between the U.S. and China," he didn't expect Europe to bite.
Trump initially went for a wide-ranging tariff hike on all trading partners, with China hit hardest. He would pause the majority of what he called "reciprocal" tariffs, including the 20 percent targeting the EU, while still maintaining the baseline 10 percent on all countries. But with China, he would engage in tit-for-tat rises with President Xi Jinping, which have culminated to 245 percent on most Chinese goods.
While the tariff increases have appeared to have paused for now, the U.S. is hitting at China via its other trading partners. But Kyle Haynes, assistant professor at Purdue University's department of political science told Newsweek that while the Trump administration was "trying to force Europe to choose between the U.S. and China," he didn't expect Europe to bite.
Beyond Tariffs: What the U.S. Can Learn from China's Industrial Playbook
The Trump administration is attempting to spur an industrial revival in the United States by imposing tariffs on trading partners. China—a key target of U.S. tariffs—has experienced the largest industrial expansion in history, rising from poverty to become the top global manufacturer and exporter within a generation. Despite the unique nature of its political economy and the challenges it faces, China offers valuable lessons that could benefit the United States as Washington attempts to increase domestic manufacturing.
China has used long-term plans that offer a degree of predictability. When Beijing says it wants to achieve a given goal, investors listen and respond accordingly.
Among them:Beijing did not rely on a tariff-based traditional import substitution strategy. China implemented many promotive and restrictive measures to boost domestic investment and production, especially by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) that facilitated tech transfer and skills upgrading. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers were among its many policy tools and by themselves don't explain China's rapid industrialization.
China has used long-term plans that offer a degree of predictability. When Beijing says it wants to achieve a given goal, investors listen and respond accordingly.
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