Behind China’s 2020 Economic Numbers
◎ A closer look at official data reveals a wobbly economy on the verge of crisis, and not solid “recovery” or healthy “growth.”
BUSINESS

China’s ‘Warren Buffett’ May Be Caught up in Anti-corruption Drive
◎ The CCP declared open season on financial sector corruption after the 19th Party Congress.

Punishing of Famous Actress Puts Chinese Financiers on Notice
◎ The probe of the financial sector will affect the princelings and other high-ranking CCP officials.

Risk vs. Opportunity: Three Takeaways on China Opening Up to Foreign Finance Firms
On Nov. 10, vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao announced that China would remove foreign ownership limits on banks while permitting overseas companies to hold majority stakes in local banks, securities, futures, asset management and insurance. Zhu’s announcement coincided with President Donald Trump’s first state visit to China, and came a day after Trump called for

Three Key Takeaways from Trump’s China Trip
◎ Here are three key takeaways from Trump’s trip to China.

Risk Watch: China’s Security Ministry Takes Aim at Financial Sector
◎ China’s law enforcement authority recently announced that it would double down on efforts to tackle financial crimes.

Risk Watch: China Establishes New Financial Regulator
◎ Xi is focusing his efforts on rooting out corruption in the financial sector to prevent his political opponents from undermining his administration by creating or magnifying financial risk in China’s economy and markets.

China’s Finance Minister Talks Property Tax Levy
◎ The various local administrations have long relied on selling land leases to supplement their income.

China Could Get a Fifth Vice Premier
◎ New Politburo member Yang Jiechi may become a State Council vice premier with a foreign affairs portfolio.

Risk vs. Opportunity: Microsoft in China
◎ There are severe downsides for businesses who ignore or lack a fuller understanding of China’s elite politics.