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Authoritarian Leaders’ Gathering: Kim Jong-un and Putin to Attend Beijing’s September 3rd Parade
Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin will join Xi Jinping in Beijing for a significant gathering of world leaders, including those from countries that are major adversaries of the United States. The event, scheduled for September 3, will commemorate the end of the Sino-Japanese War and World War II with a military parade. This meeting provides an opportunity for leaders of major authoritarian governments to engage directly with each other.
The gathering includes leaders from countries like Iran and Cuba, which have long resisted the U.S.-led world order. About 20 other governments are also expected to attend. This event underscores China’s growing global influence as Xi Jinping seeks to isolate an increasingly antagonistic United States.
Kim Jong-un, who rarely leaves North Korea, will make his first trip to Beijing since January 2019. His visit is significant as it marks his first major multilateral diplomatic engagement. The trip also highlights the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, which have strengthened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has provided Russia with weapons and troops, and in return, it is suspected to have received food, oil, cash, and weapons technologies from Moscow.
Despite these ties, North Korea still relies heavily on China for its external trade. Kim’s visit to Beijing indicates his intention to strengthen relations with China while expanding ties with Moscow. North Korea hopes that China will resume sending tourists, a key source of revenue that was disrupted by the pandemic.
Recent months have seen efforts by both South Korea and the United States to engage with Kim Jong-un, but there are no indications that he is interested in talks. North Korea has stated that it will not re-enter negotiations on easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula as long as the U.S. insists on its nuclear disarmament. Kim’s previous diplomatic efforts with Trump ended in failure, and North Korea has since focused on expanding its nuclear arsenal, which analysts say will give Kim more bargaining power in future negotiations.
China’s New Social Security Regulations Spark Controversy, Mandatory Contributions Cause Widespread Anxiety
China has implemented a new social security rule requiring all employers to contribute to employee benefits, including pensions, medical care, and maternity leave. While this should benefit many ordinary Chinese, the reaction has been one of worry and frustration. Small business owners fear increased labor costs, workers worry about potential layoffs or salary reductions, and economists caution that the policy could push more people into the gig economy, reducing formal employment and worker protections.
The new rule highlights the challenges China faces in strengthening its weak social safety net. The government aims to replenish the state pension fund, which experts warn may run out by 2035, and ease costs related to housing, education, and healthcare. However, the economic downturn has left many small and medium-sized businesses struggling, and some young people prefer to keep more money for immediate needs rather than contribute to social security.
The rule could increase costs to employers and workers by about 1% of China’s GDP. Many young Chinese are skeptical about ever seeing the promised benefits, given the shrinking workforce and the history of pension fund misappropriation by local governments. The heavy dependence on employer contributions, a legacy of China’s planned economy, means higher contribution rates compared to other countries.
Experts suggest gradually reducing these rates and ensuring strict compliance from employers. However, addressing young people’s mistrust in the system and reassuring them of future benefits remains a significant challenge. The government must also tackle deeper issues, such as the perceived unfairness of the pension system and the public’s wariness of government overreach following strict pandemic controls.
Trump Holds Meeting on Gaza Issue, How Far Are We from a Comprehensive Ceasefire?
President Trump chaired a meeting on Gaza’s postwar plans, with the U.S. and Israel seeking a comprehensive deal to end the conflict and release all remaining Israeli hostages. International mediators have been working on a cease-fire for nearly two years, achieving partial agreements that briefly stopped fighting but did not end the war. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, suggested a resolution before the end of the year, but Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has set stringent conditions for any agreement with Hamas, which are unlikely to be accepted.
Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a truce have stalled. Israel is preparing for a full-scale offensive on Gaza City unless Hamas agrees to Israel’s terms. The war began nearly two years ago after a Hamas-led attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking. Two short-lived cease-fires saw some hostages released, but the conflict resumed due to stalled negotiations.
Over 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, with more than 10,000 deaths since the latest cease-fire ended. Israeli leaders vow to destroy Hamas and reject any cease-fire that allows Hamas to rebuild. Hamas, however, insists on ending the war and Israeli withdrawal before releasing all hostages. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition opposes a cease-fire, and political analysts suggest he fears destabilizing his coalition by ending the war.
Hamas has agreed to a 60-day cease-fire proposed by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, which includes the release of some hostages and negotiations for a permanent end to the war. However, the Israeli government has not publicly responded to this proposal. Families of Israeli hostages urge the government to accept the partial agreement to save as many lives as possible.
Awaiting Verdict, Fate Hangs in the Balance Between Beijing and Trump
The trial of Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong media mogul and democracy activist, concluded with his fate hinging more on political decisions than legal ones. The verdict, expected to take months, could result in a life sentence. Lai, 77, has become a symbol of suppressed free speech in Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a national security law in 2019. His case has drawn international scrutiny, with the U.S. and Britain closely monitoring the outcome.
Lai is accused of “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces,” charges that could lead to life imprisonment. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated the 2019 anti-government protests. The trial has raised concerns about Hong Kong’s judicial independence, as Beijing has repeatedly indicated it views Lai as guilty. In December 2020, he was re-imprisoned just days after being granted bail, following criticism from Chinese state media.
Lai’s supporters hope for a diplomatic deal to secure his release, given the near 100% conviction rate in national security cases. President Trump has expressed a willingness to help, but China’s leader Xi Jinping has shown little interest in compromise. The Trump administration has prioritized trade stability over human rights, extending a trade truce with China.
Lai’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention, mostly in solitary confinement. His son, Sebastien Lai, has been lobbying international leaders for his release. The Hong Kong government has condemned what it calls “slanderous remarks” about Lai’s case, asserting that legal proceedings are being handled lawfully and that Lai’s medical needs are being met.
Observers note that a guilty verdict could paradoxically open a window for Beijing to consider releasing Lai on medical grounds. The Chinese government has occasionally responded to diplomatic pressure over human rights, as seen in the case of Liu Xia, the widow of pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo, who was allowed to travel to Berlin for medical reasons in 2018.
New Buyers for China’s Excess Solar Products: Africa
China’s solar exports to Africa have surged, with over 15 gigawatts of solar capacity shipped in the past year, nearly doubling Africa’s 2023 capacity of 20 gigawatts. This surge is part of China’s global rise in renewable energy technology manufacturing and sales. China produces most of the world’s solar panels and related components, aiming to convince developing countries of the feasibility of cheap solar electricity.
The increase in exports is driven by overproduction in China, leading to a sharp drop in panel prices and a need for new markets. Africa, with over 600 million people lacking electricity and frequent power outages, offers a significant market. South Africa and Nigeria are leading importers, with smaller countries like Sierra Leone and Chad also importing substantial amounts.
China’s influence in Africa extends beyond solar panels, including investments in oil and mineral resources. However, the impact on ordinary Africans depends on how quickly the imported solar equipment is installed and starts generating power. Despite the surge in solar imports, investments in large solar farms are lagging, with most energy investments still going into fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is removed from office, why is Thailand’s political situation always turbulent?
Thailand’s political landscape is marked by a paradox: while it appears democratic with regular elections and high voter turnout, it is heavily influenced by an unelected establishment comprising the military, judiciary, and royal family. This has led to a cycle of instability, with more than a dozen coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. The Shinawatra family, particularly Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have been central figures in this political turmoil.
The Constitutional Court, often seen as aligned with the interests of the establishment, has played a significant role in this instability. Since 2008, four prime ministers linked to Thaksin Shinawatra have been ousted by the court. Additionally, the court has dissolved 111 political parties, many of which were pro-democracy and linked to Thaksin. The court’s rulings are often seen as protecting the interests of the military and royal family, rather than upholding the rule of law.
The court’s composition, with judges appointed under military-led governments, further entrenches its bias towards the establishment. This has led to a political environment where democratic reforms are constantly challenged by the power of the old guard, resulting in ongoing political instability.
What My Daughter Said to ChatGPT Before Her Suicide
The article discusses the tragic suicide of Sophie Rottenberg, a 29-year-old woman who had been communicating with an AI therapist named Harry, a ChatGPT prompt. Sophie’s Google searches indicated an obsession with jumping from high places, and her family was shocked by her sudden decision to end her life. Sophie had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro just months before her death, showing her joy and enthusiasm for life.
Sophie’s family discovered that she had been confiding in Harry for months, sharing her suicidal thoughts and seeking advice. Harry provided support and suggested seeking professional help, but Sophie did not disclose her suicidal ideation to anyone else, including her therapist. The article raises questions about the role of AI in mental health support and whether AI should be programmed to report dangerous situations to human authorities.
The author, Laura Reiley, explores the ethical and legal implications of AI companions and the tension between preserving individual autonomy and ensuring safety. She highlights the need for better integration of AI with mental health resources and the importance of addressing the limitations of AI in providing mental health support. The article concludes with a call for smarter minds to solve the problem of AI companions potentially making it easier for people to avoid talking to humans about difficult topics, including suicide.
Can Artificial Intelligence in the US Outperform China’s Green Revolution?
The article discusses the geopolitical stakes between the United States and China, focusing on their respective bets on artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology. The consensus on AI has shifted from apocalyptic predictions to viewing it as a “normal technology,” though some remain pessimistic about an impending AI bubble. China has dominated global clean technology production and installation, particularly in wind and solar projects, due to its “Made in 2025” industrial policy and post-pandemic recovery. The U.S., meanwhile, leads in AI, hosting three-quarters of global AI supercomputer computational performance and investing significantly more in AI than any other country.
The article highlights the complex economic dynamics and the potential for a shift in the geopolitical landscape. China’s green-tech boom has been remarkable but has not fully offset the contraction in its real estate sector. The U.S. has doubled down on fossil fuels, becoming the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, but its reliance on fossil fuels is not as dominant as it might seem. The article also notes that the U.S. faces challenges in providing the abundant and cheap electricity needed for AI, partly due to regulatory hurdles and a lack of investment in renewable energy.
The article concludes by suggesting that AI might bring more normality to imperial competition, potentially leading to a relaxation of hardball tactics and a focus on concrete domestic applications rather than national-security-focused superintelligence. There are signs of a possible shift in this direction, with recent concessions and policy changes that could signal a return to a more stable geopolitical status quo.
NVIDIA’s Revenue Surpasses Expectations, Highlighting Continued AI Boom
Nvidia, a leading AI chipmaker, reported a 56% increase in sales to $46.74 billion for the quarter ending in July, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations. This robust performance in AI infrastructure spending eased investor concerns about the sustainability of the AI boom. The company’s revenue for the current quarter is projected to rise 54% to $54 billion, driven by tech companies investing heavily in data centers. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the significant progress in AI over the past year and predicted that spending on AI infrastructure will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by the end of the decade.
Despite these positive results, Nvidia’s stock fell over 2% in after-hours trading, reflecting high investor expectations. The company’s board approved a $60 billion stock repurchase plan, signaling confidence in its future prospects. Nvidia’s performance is closely watched due to its pivotal role in the AI boom, with its chips being crucial for AI development. The company’s market influence is significant, accounting for 7.5% of the S&P 500.
Nvidia faces challenges, particularly in the U.S.-China trade dynamics. China, the world’s largest chip market, is crucial for Nvidia, but regulatory hurdles and geopolitical tensions have complicated operations. The company is working to resolve these issues, including potential sales of modified Blackwell chips to China, which could generate significant revenue.
Investors are disappointed with Nvidia’s cautious stance on China, as the market is seen as critical for future sales. Analysts had projected substantial revenue from China, but Nvidia’s current estimates do not include any sales from the region. The company continues to engage with the U.S. government to address these challenges and explore opportunities in the Chinese market.
Midnight Workers in Beijing
In Beijing, at 4 A.M., a labor market near Majuqiao is bustling with workers seeking daily jobs. The scene is quiet but filled with anticipation as workers wait for recruiters who arrive on electric scooters, offering jobs like pouring concrete, packaging drinks, and cleaning buildings. The market is Beijing’s largest day labor market, where people from across China gather for a chance at work. By 8 A.M., the crowd thins as some workers are hired and others return home.
This market has been a staple for decades, providing a foothold for new arrivals from rural areas. However, China’s slowing economy has made job opportunities scarce. The real estate market struggles, leading to fewer construction jobs and lower wages. Factories prefer younger, more specialized workers, leaving older laborers behind. The economic slowdown is evident in the thinning crowds and makeshift living conditions, with some workers even sleeping on the streets.
Wang Liyuan, a 43-year-old woman, exemplifies the struggles. After being laid off from a pharmaceutical factory due to her age, she finds it hard to secure new jobs. She often works only four or five days a week, earning less than before. Despite her hardships, she has standards and refuses certain jobs. Other workers, like Huo Shuxia, prefer the flexibility of day gigs over long-term jobs, even though they are unstable.
The lack of options allows unscrupulous middlemen to exploit desperate workers. Officials have tried to impose more control over such markets, but many workers prefer the familiarity of the Majuqiao intersection over a newly established, government-run labor market. The government’s efforts to tidy up the scene at Majuqiao reflect a desire to hide the economic desperation that the market reveals. Recruiters, however, seem at ease, easily finding workers for low-paying jobs.
Trump Escalates Power Struggle, Seeks Control of the Fed
President Trump has escalated his efforts to control the Federal Reserve by attempting to fire Lisa Cook, one of the Fed’s governors. This move comes amid a broader struggle for control over the central bank, which has seen Trump use threats, public humiliation, and other tactics. Trump’s official reason for firing Cook is allegations of mortgage fraud, though she has not been charged with any crime. Experts warn that if successful, this action could undermine the independence of the central bank and set a dangerous precedent.
Janet Yellen, former Fed chair and Treasury secretary, expressed alarm at Trump’s move, describing it as an assault on the Fed’s independence. Peter Conti-Brown, an expert on Fed governance, suggested that if Trump succeeds, it could mark the end of central bank independence as we know it. Legal experts believe Cook has a strong case against the firing, as she has not been convicted of a crime and the allegations involve her private conduct, not her work at the Fed.
The potential legal battle between Cook and Trump could delay Fed policy decisions, as Cook has vowed to fight her ouster. The Republican-controlled Senate could confirm a replacement for Cook while she is still fighting for her seat, a situation without precedent in the Fed’s history. If Trump succeeds in replacing Cook, he could reshape the central bank significantly, potentially gaining control over its decision-making processes.
Trump’s actions raise concerns about the future independence of the Fed and the potential for further attempts to control its policies. The allegations against Cook are part of a larger effort by Trump to install loyalists at the central bank, with experts warning that this strategy could be used against other members of the Fed’s policy-setting committee. The Fed has stated it will continue to carry out its duties as established by law and abide by any court decisions regarding Cook’s status.
Late Invitation: Trump Changes Tone, Welcomes Chinese Students
The Trump administration has historically been unwelcoming to international students, particularly those from China. However, President Trump recently declared that the United States not only wants but needs Chinese students, proposing to allow 600,000 of them into American universities. This statement contrasts with previous actions by his administration, which have made it more difficult for international students to enter and study in the U.S. These actions include more intensive vetting processes and visa appointment difficulties, which could lead to a significant drop in new international student enrollment.
Trump’s recent remarks also highlight the importance of Chinese students to the U.S. higher education system, both financially and academically. Despite past accusations of academic espionage and security risks, Trump acknowledged the critical role Chinese students play in maintaining the U.S. college system. He also mentioned that he had informed China’s President Xi Jinping that the U.S. is honored to have Chinese students.
The administration’s actions, such as revoking visas and targeting students in sensitive fields, have created a complex environment for international students, particularly those from China. Despite these challenges, Trump’s recent statements suggest a shift in policy, emphasizing the importance of Chinese students to the U.S. educational system.
The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting: More Serious Than You Think
Sitting for extended periods is detrimental to health, affecting heart, joints, muscles, metabolism, and mental health. Humans are not evolved to sit for long durations, and prolonged sitting can negate the benefits of exercise and lead to conditions like “dead butt syndrome.” Studies show that people who sit most of the day have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend adding 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity daily or even doubling the standard weekly exercise recommendations.
Sitting for as little as 30 minutes can affect blood vessel function, and the risks increase with longer durations. It is also linked to lower back pain, weakened muscles, and increased chances of depression and anxiety. To combat these effects, it is advised to be more active, especially if sitting is a significant part of the workday. This can include setting timers to move around, doing small exercises at the desk, or using standing desks. However, standing desks are not a cure-all and can also cause pain. The key is regular movement, whether seated or standing. If unable to get up, small movements like fidgeting can help. Overall, adding more movement breaks and exercise to daily routines is essential to avoid the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
“Shanzhai” Labubu’s Safety Risks Spark Concern
The global demand for Labubu dolls, popularized by celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham, has led to a surge in counterfeit products known as Lafufus. These fake dolls have raised safety concerns due to poor manufacturing conditions and potentially hazardous chemicals. Consumer protection agencies and customs officials across multiple continents have flagged these issues, with reports of seizures and warnings about the dangers posed by these counterfeits.
The popularity of Labubu dolls skyrocketed after Blackpink’s Lisa was seen with them on social media, leading to a significant increase in sales for Pop Mart, the Chinese company that produces Labubu. However, the unique “blind box” sales model, where buyers do not know what they will receive, has facilitated the influx of counterfeit products.
In Britain, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute issued an urgent warning about the rise in counterfeit Labubus, noting that they are poorly made and may contain hazardous chemicals. In Cyprus, customs officials conducted raids and seized over 1,300 fake dolls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also ordered the seizure of thousands of counterfeit dolls, citing safety risks.
Pop Mart has been actively policing its intellectual property, including suing 7-Eleven for intellectual property violations. The company has also applied for a trademark for the “Lafufu” name in China, potentially to capitalize on the counterfeit trend. However, some collectors on TikTok suggest that the Labubu mania is already fading, which could mean that demand for the dolls may decrease before the company can fully control the counterfeit market.
Consumerism’s “New Korea”: Water Slides, Digital Payments, and Fake Starbucks
North Korea is adopting Western-inspired consumerism to mitigate the impact of international sanctions and generate revenue. In Pyongyang, elites enjoy amenities like a fake Starbucks and mobile payments, while a new seaside resort on the east coast features water slides and foreign beers. The country’s modernization efforts, led by Kim Jong-un, are fostering a new consumer culture, though these luxuries are largely inaccessible to the average North Korean, who earns around $1,000 a year.
Foreign visitors, including a Chinese student, a Swedish marathon runner, and a Russian tourist, have provided rare insights into these developments. The student described a high-end shopping mall in Pyongyang, dubbed “North Korean IKEA,” and a coffee shop modeled after Starbucks Reserve. Mobile payments are prevalent, and the resort, dubbed “North Korea’s Waikiki,” is designed to attract tourists and generate foreign currency.
Despite these efforts, North Korea faces a dilemma in balancing openness with control, especially regarding tourism. The country has enacted strict laws to curb outside cultural influences, and tourism risks weakening Kim Jong-un’s control over information. Recent incidents, such as social media influencers posting videos with unflattering comments, have led to temporary bans on foreign tourists. China is the biggest potential source of tourist cash for North Korea, with a record 300,000 foreign tourists in 2019, most of whom were from China.
How The New York Times Investigated CCP Interference in New York Elections
The article discusses an investigation by The New York Times into China’s influence campaigns in New York politics. The investigation revealed that China has been actively interfering in American democracy by screening candidates, targeting lawmakers, and influencing elections. The Times’ reporters uncovered evidence of China’s influence through various sources, including credible tips, government documents, and extensive interviews. Key findings include the targeting of ethnic Chinese candidates who do not align with Beijing’s policies, such as support for Hong Kong’s civil liberties or sympathy for Taiwan. The investigation also highlighted specific cases, such as New York State Senator Iwen Chu, who faced backlash for attending a banquet with the Taiwanese president, and Yan Xiong, a former Tiananmen Square protest leader who faced sabotage attempts during his congressional run. The Times built a network of sources and used various tools, including YouTube videos and freedom of information requests, to document China’s influence through hometown associations and consular officials. The investigation also revealed that many of these associations, often tax-exempt, have been involved in unlawful political activities. The reporters emphasized the importance of verifying information and avoiding sensationalism, drawing lessons from past cases like the Wen Ho Lee incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the Times encourages readers to share any relevant information.
Chinese Scientists Complete World’s First Pig Lung Transplant to Human
Chinese scientists successfully performed the world’s first pig-to-human lung transplant, moving a genetically edited pig’s left lung into a 39-year-old brain-dead man. The lung showed some functionality but was removed after nine days due to damage. While the procedure is seen as promising, experts caution that significant work remains to make such transplants feasible. The lung transplant is particularly challenging due to the organ’s constant exposure to environmental threats and its aggressive immune responses. The procedure was criticized for not fully assessing the transplanted lung’s ability to sustain life independently. Researchers worldwide are increasingly experimenting with organs from genetically modified pigs, with various gene edits, to address the severe shortage of human organs for transplant.
Trump Plays the “Personal Card” Against Putin, but Causes Strategic Confusion
Trump’s approach to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through personal diplomacy with Putin has resulted in strategic confusion. Despite initial optimism, the meeting in Anchorage did not yield significant progress. Key points include:
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Lack of Progress: Nine days after the meeting, there were no scheduled follow-up meetings between Putin, Zelensky, and Trump. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, stated that the agenda was not ready.
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Inconsistent Messages: Trump’s statements have been inconsistent. He initially portrayed himself as a mediator but later sounded like an ally of Ukraine, promising to help secure it from future attacks. He also blamed his predecessor, Biden, for not allowing Ukraine to “fight back.”
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Security Guarantees: Trump claimed Putin agreed to allow a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but Russia later described a different construct where Russia would participate in security guarantees for Ukraine.
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Comparison to Past Diplomacy: Trump’s approach is compared to Roosevelt’s successful mediation of the Russo-Japanese War, but so far, it has not yielded similar results. Instead, it resembles his previous diplomacy with North Korea, which was friendly but ineffective.
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Uncertainty and Dissonance: Trump’s approach creates uncertainty about the U.S. role in the conflict. Sometimes he sounds like a neutral mediator, other times like a strong ally of Ukraine. This inconsistency leaves room for doubt about U.S. commitments and strategies.
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Security Assurances: Trump declared that the U.S. would join European leaders in providing security assurances for Ukraine, but he clarified that there would be no American troops on the ground. The U.S. might provide intelligence and air support instead.
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Future Steps: Trump has given Putin a two-week deadline to show seriousness, similar to a previous deadline that was ignored. He also leaves himself an out by suggesting that if negotiations fail, the U.S. might withdraw and let Ukraine and Russia fight it out.
Five Years Later, China’s Real Estate Crisis Shows No Signs of Abating
China’s property market, once a symbol of economic boom, has been in a prolonged downturn for five years. Evergrande, once the largest property developer, was delisted from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2025, reflecting the sector’s slow and painful decline. The government’s policies have prevented a sudden crash but have led to a grinding slowdown. New home prices and secondhand home prices continue to drop, with no end in sight.
The government has intervened to support some indebted property companies, such as China Vanke, which has received significant loans from its state-owned shareholder, Shenzhen Metro. However, the overall market remains fragile, with many smaller developers going under. The downturn has devastated related sectors, including construction and property sales.
The current situation is exacerbated by a trade war and soft consumer spending. The government’s investments in technologies like semiconductors and robotics are unlikely to quickly fill the gap left by the shrinking property sector. The real estate industry, which once accounted for about 30% of China’s economy, is now a significant drag on growth.
Recent data shows a drastic slowdown in new construction and a growing inventory of available homes. Homeowners like Victoria Yu and Lily Zhang have struggled to sell their properties, highlighting the market’s weakness. Despite some government efforts to spur demand, such as relaxing purchase restrictions, the market remains challenging, especially in second-tier cities.