Gantry cranes stand near stacked shipping containers at Yangshan Port outside Shanghai, China, May 7, 2026 (REUTERS)

    China’s trade gap is narrowing. And other surprises

    China’s GDP growth figures are often suspiciously smooth. Last year the government set a target of 5%—and the sprawling $19trn economy duly grew by just that amount, as if the combined endeavours of 760m workers and 30m corporations could be choreographed by a committee. This year the government has permitted itself half a percentage point…

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    Mr Anutin’s imminent trip to China represents part of the government’s broader strategy to position Thailand as a hub for advanced technologies.

      Bangkok Post – PM’s China trip aims to boost tech investment

      Anutin to court Chinese businesses Mr Anutin’s imminent trip to China represents part of the government’s broader strategy to position Thailand as a hub for advanced technologies. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to embark on a crucial visit to China later this week, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract investment in Thailand’s future…

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      Illustration: The Economist/Xinmei Liu

        China’s hereditary elite is taking shape

        OVER THE past half-century, China has conjured vast wealth out of widespread poverty. Now comes the vexing part: how to pass it on to the next generation. For China, this poses a new and underappreciated risk. On its current trajectory, the first great intergenerational transfer in China’s modern history will widen inequality, cement privilege and…

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