China Macro Economy /

Social Policy

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China's social credit system
China's population
China food safety
China economy
Most provinces in China have witnessed a precipitous drop in births in recent years. Photo: Future Publishing via Getty Images
China birth rate

How this corner of China is still embracing big families amid national decline

While the rest of China attempts to boost birth rates as the population ages, why has the southern province stayed relatively resilient?

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US-China relations

Talent war? China gears up for competition as global race heats up

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China’s economic stimulus

‘I’m not attracted’: why China is struggling to convince consumers to borrow

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China's social credit system

China’s complex social credit system evolves with 23 new guidelines from Beijing

Guidelines also establish ‘seriously discredited entities’ list for specific sectors – and those on the list could face restrictions or bans on issuing stocks and bonds.

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China’s long-anticipated draft law for a national system tracking “social credit” was released in November 2022. It is still being updated with new guidelines. Photo: Simon Song
China’s long-anticipated draft law for a national system tracking “social credit” was released in November 2022. It is still being updated with new guidelines. Photo: Simon Song
China's ageing population

Former officials call for parity, reform in China’s pension system

The current pension structure is too lopsided to provide adequate benefits to those in poorer regions, former banking officials say at Boao Forum.

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China's population

Can birth subsidies save China from its looming population crisis?

China is betting big on birth subsidies to stave off a demographic crisis. But do cash payments really work?

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China consumption

Chinese economists call for wider social safety net to nurture consumption

With trade becoming a less reliable source of growth, Chinese academics have recommended demand-side measures to spur domestic spending.

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China’s domestic consumption has taken on greater importance in an increasingly uncertain environment for international trade. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s domestic consumption has taken on greater importance in an increasingly uncertain environment for international trade. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s economic stimulus

Explainer | What is actually in China’s new plan to boost consumer spending?

The Post breaks down Beijing’s new 30-point action plan, which targets a slew of underlying issues holding back consumption.

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China’s economic stimulus

China’s new plan to boost consumption is ‘most comprehensive’ since 1970s

The 30-point strategy to drive up consumer spending tackles a slew of underlying issues, from low wages to the real estate crisis.

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Two Sessions 2025

‘Two sessions’ 2025: how can China get its private sector back on track?

China will need stronger action to ensure a level playing field – as the struggles of its first privately owned high-speed railways show.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China jobs

As AI disrupts China jobs, could a dedicated insurance fund protect workers?

NPC representative and founder of an AI-powered voice-recognition firm joins chorus calling for more to be done to mitigate impact of jobs lost to automation.

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Humanoid robots perform collaborative tasks at a Zeekr car plant in China. Photo: Handout
Humanoid robots perform collaborative tasks at a Zeekr car plant in China. Photo: Handout
Two Sessions 2025

Is free preschool education the solution to China’s birth crisis?

The policy idea appears to be gaining momentum in China, with a proposal set to be made at this week’s ‘two sessions’.

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China food security

China hits brakes on rural land reform in major policy release

Urbanites are now explicitly banned from buying up rural homes, as the government prioritises social stability.

China deflation

China’s latest strategy to get consumers spending: a clampdown on rip-offs

Beijing plans to encourage consumers to open their wallets by eliminating scams, price gouging and shoddy goods.

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Pedestrians walk along a popular shopping street in central Beijing. China is stepping up efforts to arrest a slowdown in consumer spending. Photo: AFP
China's population

As rising costs hit health insurance funds, how can China stem the bloodletting?

What happens when China’s ageing population meets a rising reluctance among healthy people to pay for voluntary insurance?

In China’s most affluent cities, basic medical insurance funds have come under rising pressure as the population lives longer and costs increase for the treatment of chronic diseases. Photo: Getty Images
In China’s most affluent cities, basic medical insurance funds have come under rising pressure as the population lives longer and costs increase for the treatment of chronic diseases. Photo: Getty Images
China's economic recovery

China’s lottery sales see biggest year ever as games become ‘more fun’

Younger generation seen as especially keen on ‘experience economy’, with the thrill of the game overshadowing the slim odds of winning big.

China's economic recovery

China’s super-rich have a new must-have possession: their own university

For China’s billionaires, founding new universities offers a chance to make money – and demonstrate they are ‘politically correct’.

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China deflation

China’s exporters face a darker outlook in 2025 – even ‘magic crystal’ vendors

‘Healing’ crystals are generating huge buzz on TikTok, but the Chinese companies that sell them say overseas customers increasingly cannot afford to buy.

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Chinese vendors of “healing” crystals are struggling to deal with a slowdown in global demand. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese vendors of “healing” crystals are struggling to deal with a slowdown in global demand. Photo: Shutterstock
Lunar New Year

‘Little luxuries’: China’s crystal industry shimmers amid economic unease

Crystals with perceived properties to heal and enhance career prospects are increasingly becoming a source of hope and comfort in tough times.

Lunar New Year

Why are fewer Chinese employees looking forward to Lunar New Year bonuses?

Workers use bonus levels to gauge companies’ financial health and competitiveness in the coming year.

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China's population

No more ‘dragon babies’: China’s birth figures likely to tumble again in 2025

When China recorded an uptick in births last year, some argued the country’s baby bust may be ending. But those hopes are likely to be dashed in 2025, demographers say.

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China is likely to see another decline in the number of new births in 2025, demographers say. Photo: Getty Images
Tourism

Will new Harry Potter park spell success as Shanghai tries to enchant tourists?

Talks with Warner Bros could see a 40-year-old theme park in Shanghai converted into an immersive experience for fans of the ‘wizarding world’.

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Visitors wearing costumes take selfies at the opening of a Harry Potter-themed park in Japan in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Visitors wearing costumes take selfies at the opening of a Harry Potter-themed park in Japan in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
China inflation

Why are Chinese provinces ditching ‘legacy’ 3% CPI target for 2025?

China is facing a rocky road to reflation after its actual CPI growth stayed far below annual control targets, and regional governments appear less hopeful that consumer demand will markedly rise this year.

Asia travel

Chinese cancel Thai holidays as actor Wang Xing’s kidnapping fuels safety fears

Thailand is expected to take a tourism and economic hit from Lunar New Year trip cancellations.

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China manufacturing

China EV giant BYD hits skids in Brazil as ‘slavery-like’ claims slam workforce

China’s labour practices are driving a wedge between the world’s biggest EV maker and efforts to expand globally in areas where employee protections are paramount.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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