
More recent developments

China and US conclude high-stakes talks in Madrid
Were the US-China talks in Madrid a stabilizing fiesta or a snooze-inducing siesta? On Sunday, delegations led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived in the Spanish capital for a new round of trade… Read More »

Top diplomat Wang Yi pitches Europe on peaceful China
Top diplomat Wang Yi is back in Europe, visiting Austria and Slovenia over the weekend. Wang's mission: Persuading countries that Beijing can be trusted as a partner for peace – despite its close relationship with Moscow. Why Austria and Slovenia?… Read More »

Economic activity slows in August
Economic activity slowed big time in August. Per stats bureau data (NBS) data, released Monday: Industrial value-added (IVA) expanded by 5.2% y/y across the month, down from 5.7% growth in July Fixed asset investment (FAI) fell 7.1% y/y, accelerating from… Read More »