Author: Zhou Xin

China’s draft private-economy promotion law reflects Beijing’s commitment to protecting the private sector from local government interference, a move welcomed by investors. In a market where property rights are crucial, this law is seen as necessary to counteract local authorities’ unfair treatment of private businesses. Despite being a significant contributor to China’s economy, the private sector has faced challenges due to ideological biases favoring public ownership. This law aims to address these disparities and ensure fair treatment for all businesses. As China’s economy slows down, local governments are resorting to desperate measures to boost revenues, often at the expense of…

Navigating China’s income and wealth landscape has always been a challenge due to its complex social and economic dynamics. Recent indications suggest that wages are stagnant or declining in certain sectors, posing a threat to Beijing’s efforts to boost consumer spending. While official figures show a 5.4% rise in China’s per capita disposable income, other data paints a different picture. Personal income tax revenues dropped 5.7% in the first half of 2024, indicating a decline in wage earners’ income. Reports of job and salary cuts abound on Chinese social media, exemplified by IBM’s lay-off of over 1,000 employees in China.…

In a recent regulatory proposal, China announced plans for a national identification system to authenticate internet users across platforms. The draft, titled National Network Identity Authentication Public Service Management Measures, has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a tool to protect personal data and others concerned about government control over online access. Opposition to the regulation has faced online censorship, with dissenting voices like Tsinghua University law professor Lao Dongyan being silenced. This suppression of differing opinions sets a dangerous precedent and hampers the opportunity to improve proposed regulations through public feedback. By listening to diverse viewpoints, authorities can…