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☆ China's quarterly report card is in, and it's bad — but Beijing is unlikely to step in and prop up the economy just yet
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

China posted GDP growth of 6.3% in the second quarter of 2023, badly missing expectations. Even so, China is unlikely to unleash major stimulus measures to boost the economy because it's already in so much debt. And while the GDP did grow year-on-year, it bears noting that the comparison is with a low base from last year when China's economy was battered by on-off COVID-19 restrictions. "There are growing hopes for 'big bang' stimulus to fire up China's growth," Vishnu Varathan, the head of economics and strategy at Mizuho Bank, wrote in a Monday note before China's second-quarter GDP release. The inherent risk with such high debt levels is that a default threatens a domino impact on the Chinese economy — and even the world.

Persons: Vishnu Varathan, China's, Liu Guoqiang, Zhu Min, Robert Carnell, ING's, Carnell, Nomura Organizations: Service, Reuters, Mizuho Bank, Bloomberg, International Monetary Fund, Asia Pacific Locations: China, Wall, Silicon, Beijing, Tianjin

☆ John Kerry to step into searing China heat as world’s two biggest polluters try to fix fractured ties
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

China Energy Investment Corporation, the world’s largest generator of coal-fired power, said its production of electricity reached a historic high on Monday. Kerry, 79, has traveled to China twice since being appointed as US President Joe Biden’s special climate envoy. Li, the Greenpeace analyst, said he would be closely watching who will meet with Kerry in Beijing. That would require the country to phase out coal power, which accounts for about 60% of its total electricity generation. “The expansion of coal is a grave challenge for China’s climate policy,” Li said.

Persons: John Kerry, ”, Li Shuo, Nancy Pelosi’s, ” Li, Andy Wong, Kerry, Biden, Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Janet Yellen, China’s Premier Li Qiang, Blinken, Wang Yi, Alex Wang, Joe Biden’s, Xie Zhenhua, Arnd Wiegmann, Li, Xie Jianhua, Ding Xuexiang, Xi, Obama, Xie, ” Kerry, “ I’m, Stringer, Wang, “ It’s, “, ” Wang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Beijing Sunday, Greenpeace, Washington, US, Taiwan —, China Energy Investment Corporation, China’s Premier, University of California, US State Department, China’s Ministry of Ecology, Economic, Blinken, Kerry, CNN, COP28, UCLA, Global Energy Monitor Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, China, Greenpeace China, Taiwan, Jakarta, “, Los Angeles, Kerry, Shanghai, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, Davos, Switzerland, Washington, Paris, China Glasgow, Dubai, Lianyungang, China's, Jiangsu, AFP

☆ John Kerry steps into searing China heat as world’s two biggest polluters try to fix fractured ties
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Persons: John Kerry, ”, Li Shuo, Nancy Pelosi’s, ” Li, Andy Wong, Kerry, Biden, Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Janet Yellen, China’s Premier Li Qiang, Blinken, Wang Yi, Alex Wang, Joe Biden’s, Xie Zhenhua, Arnd Wiegmann, Li, Xie Jianhua, Ding Xuexiang, Xi, Obama, Xie, ” Kerry, “ I’m, Stringer, Wang, “ It’s, “, ” Wang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Greenpeace, Washington, US, Taiwan —, China Energy Investment Corporation, China’s Premier, University of California, US State Department, China’s Ministry of Ecology, Economic, Blinken, Kerry, CNN, COP28, UCLA, Global Energy Monitor Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, China, Greenpeace China, Taiwan, Jakarta, “, Los Angeles, Kerry, Shanghai, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, Davos, Switzerland, Washington, Paris, China Glasgow, Dubai, Lianyungang, China's, Jiangsu, AFP

July 13 (Reuters) - Qingdao city in China's debt-laden Shandong province has set up a company to bail out its cash-strapped local government financing vehicles (LGFVs), sources said, as regional governments rush to reduce debt risks in a wobbly economy. The government of Qingdao and the China Development Bank did not reply to Reuters' requests for comment. While no LGFV in China has defaulted in the public markets, cases of delinquencies in the private debt market are increasing, worrying Beijing. Tianjin LGFV bonds yield more than 514 bps over government bonds, compared with 200 bps for Shandong bonds, reflecting the elevated risks. Fund manager Zhou said although he is bullish on LGFV bonds, "the first priority is to be absolutely diversified in investment.

Persons: Qingdao's, Xi Jinping, LGFVs, Goldman Sachs, Zhai Jianye, Zhai, It's, Zhou Tingzuo, Ning Yong, Zhou, Samuel Shen, Jason Xue, Tom Westbrook, Vidya Ranganathan Organizations: Dongdin Industrial Group, China Development Bank, Southwest Securities, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Commercial Bank of China, SS, Shoupu Fund Management Co, Ning Yong Fu Fund Management, Thomson Locations: Qingdao, China's, Shandong, China, Shandong LGFVs, Beijing, Big, Jinan, Weifang, Liaoning, Hunan, Shanghai, Tianjin, Singapore

☆ Top US-China exchanges since Biden took office
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Below is a list of some of the other high level U.S.-China exchanges since President Joe Biden took office in 2021. FIRST TRADE TALKS - May 26, 2021U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and China's then Vice Premier Liu He held talks virtually, the first such high level trade talks between the world's two biggest economies since Biden took office. DIPLOMAT VISITS CHINA - July 26, 2021Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman held talks with State Councillor Wang Yi, in Tianjin, China. DEFENCE CHIEFS HOLD FIRST TALKS - April 20, 2022U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with China's then defence minister Wei Fenghe, the first talks between the two officials since Biden took office. BIDEN AND XI MEET IN BALI - November 14, 2022Biden and Xi held their long-awaited first face-to-face leadership talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Persons: Janet Yellen, John Kerry, Joe Biden, BIDEN, Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Jake Sullivan, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, Katherine Tai, China's, Liu, Wendy Sherman, SULLIVAN, YANG, Sullivan, Yang, Lloyd Austin, Wei Fenghe, WANG, Wang, Nancy Pelosi, HARRIS, Kamala Harris, Gina Raimondo, Wang Wentao, National Defense Li Shangfu, Li, BLINKEN, Antony Blinken, Washington's, Martin Quin Pollard, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Kim Coghill Organizations: . Treasury, U.S, FIRST, National Security, . Trade, CHIEFS, . Defense, General Assembly, BIDEN, IN, Economic Cooperation APEC, CHINA COMMERCE, . Commerce, Commerce, Washington D.C, China's, National Defense, Pentagon, Austin, BEIJING, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Yellen's, U.S, Anchorage , Alaska, Blinken, CHINA, Tianjin, Taiwan, North Korea, ROME, Russia, Ukraine, New York, IN BALI, Bali , Indonesia, BANGKOK, Asia, Thailand, MUNICH, Munich, WASHINGTON, Washington, Singapore

☆ 4 things making it harder for Janet Yellen to repair the US-China relationship
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The global economy stands to gain if Washington and Beijing can mend fences, but analysts say this appears unlikely. Here are four things likely to make it harder for Yellen to repair US-China ties, and one thing keeping the relationship going. Sequoia’s executives said in a statement that it has become “increasingly complex” to run a decentralized global investment business. On Wednesday, US pharmaceutical firm Moderna (MRNA)signed a deal to make its first major investment in China. “Both sides are ramping up commercial restrictions in the name of national security and national interests,” she said.

Persons: Janet Yellen, China, ” Wei Jianguo, ”, Anna Ashton, Biden, Beijing’s, Wei, Capvision, Xi Jinping’s, “, Li Qiang, Xi, Alex Capri, ” Ashton, —, Jennifer Hansler, Wayne Chang, Bryan Mena Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Eurasia Group, Micron Technology, China Daily, Analysts, China, Capvision, Bain & Company, Group, Forrester Research, Ontario, Republicans, Hawks, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xinhua, US Commerce Department, “, National University of Singapore Business School, Moderna Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, China, Chinese, Washington, Japan, Europe, Shanghai, New York, decouple, Moscow, Ukraine, Russia, Taiwan, Tianjin

BEIJING, July 5 (Reuters) - China's Commerce Minister told foreign pharmaceuticals firms they can expect "more development opportunities" during a roundtable on Wednesday, his ministry said, as drugmakers bemoan government procurement policies pricing them out of the market. Foreign pharmaceuticals firms have struggled to cement any inroads they have made into the world's second-largest economy, with the government maintaining a drug procurement programme that forces them to slash their prices and refusing to approve the use of any foreign COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. But as China pursues home-grown modernisation it will also open up "more development opportunities for foreign-funded enterprises, including the pharmaceutical industry," Wang told the meeting. Wang told the meeting on Wednesday that his ministry will expand the channels of communication for responding to and solving concerns, with the meeting resulting in 25 specific suggestions to be taken forward. Reporting by Joe Cash; Additional reporting by Kevin Yao;Editing by Elaine HardcastleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Roche, Takeda, Wang Wentao, Wang, Li Qiang, Li, drugmakers, Joe Cash, Kevin Yao, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: China's Commerce, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, Moderna, Wednesday, Economic, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Tianjin

Such a penalty would be far higher than any previously imposed by Brussels. But China’s stuttering economy and Beijing’s focus on elections in the United States and Taiwan next year are driving a calculation by Chinese policymakers that it is still worth engaging. But the Chinese are looking beyond the United States, and 2023. “Beijing policymakers are hedging their bets,” Rana Mitter, director of Oxford University’s China Center, told DealBook. “They believe that the Biden administration is using softer language but in practice seeking to contain China.

Persons: Illumina, Janet Yellen, Biden, Yellen’s, ” Rana Mitter, DealBook, “, ” Organizations: European Union, Financial Times, Economic, China, Oxford University’s China Center Locations: Brussels, China, Beijing, United States, Taiwan, Tianjin, Netherlands, Washington

The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 53.2 from 54.50 in May, indicating a slowdown in service sector activity and construction. Nomura has been the most bearish, cutting its forecast for growth in China's gross domestic product (GDP) this year to 5.1% from 5.5%. "This indicates the urgent need for a more powerful package of policy measures... to ensure the annual growth targets," he added. The government has set a modest GDP growth target of about 5% for this year after badly missing its 2022 goal. China's cabinet this month pledged to promote a sustained economic recovery "in a timely manner".

Persons: Rob Carnell, Julian Evans, Pritchard, Nomura, Bruce Pang, Jones Lang LaSalle, Li Qiang, ING's Carnell, Joe Cash, Sam Holmes Organizations: . Services, National Bureau, Statistics, ING, Capital Economics, PMI, Jones, Reuters, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Asia, Pacific, Tianjin, Beijing

BEIJING, June 30 (Reuters) - China's manufacturing activity contracted for a third straight month in June, albeit at a slower pace, an official factory survey showed on Friday, as pressure builds for policymakers to release more stimulus to shore up weak demand. "Economic momentum is still quite weak in China," said Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management in a note. "It is not clear if the weak economic data would push the government to launch aggressive stimulus measures soon," he added. The official non-manufacturing PMI fell to 53.2 from 54.50 in May, indicating a slowdown in service sector activity and construction. The composite PMI, which includes both manufacturing and non-manufacturing activity, dropped to 52.3 from 52.9.

Persons: Zhiwei Zhang, Nomura, Li Qiang, Joe Cash, Sam Holmes Organizations: . Services, National Bureau, Statistics, Reuters, PMI, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Tianjin, Beijing

[1/2] A worker works on a production line at a factory of a ship equipments manufacturer, in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China March 2, 2020. China Daily via REUTERSBEIJING, June 29 (Reuters) - China's factory activity likely contracted for a third straight month in June, albeit at a marginally slower pace, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday, underscoring the need for further policy stimulus to counter weak demand at home and abroad. An index reading above 50 indicates expansion activity on a monthly basis and a reading below indicates contraction. The government has set a modest GDP growth target of about 5% for this year after badly missing its 2022 goal. The highest reading in the poll was 49.7, still short of breaking into expansion territory, while the lowest reading was 48.0.

Persons: Nomura, Li Qiang, Joe Cash, Madhumita Gokhale, Anant Chandak, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: REUTERS, PMI, Thomson Locations: Nantong, Jiangsu province, China, REUTERS BEIJING, Tianjin, Bengaluru

☆ China unveils sweeping foreign policy law as Xi consolidates power — and aims to counter the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —China has unveiled a sweeping foreign relations law enshrining its right to impose “countermeasures” against actions that it deems a threat – in Beijing’s latest bid to bolster its position amid strained relations with the West. “This is the first comprehensive foreign relations law … but it (reads) more like Xi Jinping’s foreign policy declaration,” Zhao said, adding that its release comes at a moment when Xi is focused on countering what it sees as US efforts to contain China. “The party, not the government, runs China’s foreign relations. The law also includes China’s pledge to promote “high-level opening-up” of its economy, development of foreign trade and and encouraging and legally protecting foreign investment. In recent months, a campaign against consulting and due diligence firms has unnerved foreign businesses in China.

Persons: enshrining, Antony Blinken, Jinping, –, Zhao Leji, “, Xi, Washington, Lockheed Martin, Suisheng Zhao, University of Denver’s Josef, ” Zhao, ”, China’s, Sung, Li Qiang, Zhao Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, West, Global Times, Lockheed, Raytheon, Communist Party, Center for, Cooperation, University of Denver’s, University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Australian National University’s Taiwan Studies Locations: Hong Kong, China, Beijing’s, Beijing, China’s, United States, Ukraine, Taiwan, Center for China, Tianjin, Europe, Denver

☆ China's industrial profits tumble, deepening economic gloom
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BEIJING, June 28 (Reuters) - Annual profits at China's industrial firms extended a double-digit decline in the first five months as softening demand squeezed margins, reinforcing hopes of more policy support to bolster a stuttering post-COVID economic recovery. "The still slow recovery in industrial profits pointed to sustained difficulties facing business operations," said Wu Chaoming, deputy director of the Chasing International Economic Institute. Wu said the corporate struggles strengthen the case for more policy measures to help companies. "As the external environment becomes increasingly complicated and severe, domestic demand still appears to be insufficient, weighing on further recovery in industrial profits," said NBS statistician Sun Xiao in an accompanying statement, noting that the foundation for a revival in industrial profits is still not solid. Industrial profit numbers cover firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan ($2.77 million) from their main operations.

Persons: Wu Chaoming, Wu, Sun Xiao, Goldman Sachs, Li Qiang, Li, Qiaoyi Li, Ryan Woo, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: National Bureau of Statistics, Economic Institute, P Global, Summer, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Tianjin

☆ China's tumbling industrial profits deepens economic gloom
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

☆ Regulation and competition key for growth of AI in China and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailRegulation and competition key for growth of A.I., says professor at China's Tsinghua UniversityZhang Ya-Qin, Tsinghua University chair professor, founding dean of the Tsinghua Institute for AI Industry Research and ex-Baidu president, spoke to CNBC on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Tianjin.

Persons: Zhang Ya Organizations: China's Tsinghua, Qin, Tsinghua University, Tsinghua Institute, AI Industry Research, Baidu, CNBC, Economic Locations: Tianjin

☆ Volkswagen China chief asks China's premier Li for clarity on data transfers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, June 27 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) head of its business in China said on Tuesday that the carmaker needed clarity on cross-border data transfers in a meeting with the country's Premier Li Qiang, asking how China would cooperate with Europe amid rising political tensions. "As a globalized industry, the transformation of the automotive sector highly depends on international exchange of personnel, data and knowledge. We therefore need more clarity on cross-border data transfers," executive Ralf Brandstaetter said, according to a copy of the speech held at a World Economic Forum meeting in Tianjin. "What are the major considerations of China, and how China will cooperate with Europe in this regard?" SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co joined in the price war in March, offering 3.7 billion yuan ($512.52 million) in cash subsidies for car purchases in China.

Persons: Li Qiang, Ralf Brandstaetter, Brandstaetter, Victoria Waldersee, Matthias Williams Organizations: Volkswagen, Qualcomm, Horizon Robotics, Tesla, SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co, Thomson Locations: BERLIN, China, Europe, Tianjin, North America, Italian, Hefei

☆ China's growth to be higher in Q2, projected to hit annual 5% target - Premier Li
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TIANJIN, China, June 27 (Reuters) - China's economic growth in the second quarter will be higher than the first and was projected to reach the annual economic growth target of around 5%, China's Premier Li Qiang told delegates at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin on Tuesday. However, analysts are now downgrading their economic growth forecasts for China for the rest of the year. The pandemic is unlikely to be the last public health crisis the world faces, Li said, adding that it will be over and visible and invisible barriers will disappear. The trend of globalisation remains intact despite some setbacks, said the Chinese premier, reiterating a key theme of his since taking up his post that China remains open for business and welcomes foreign investors. Reporting by Kevin Yao; Writing by Joe Cash; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, Kevin Yao, Joe Cash, Michael Perry Organizations: China's, Economic, Thomson Locations: TIANJIN, China, Tianjin, Beijing

☆ China opens its doors to the world by kicking off its first in-person 'Summer Davos' since the pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Spriha Srivastava | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Chinese city of Tianjin is hosting the World Economic Forum's "Summer Davos." Chinese Premier Li Qiang opened the conference, acknowledging global challenges and warning about future public health crises. Saudi Arabia has sent a top delegation to the event, reflecting the importance of its oil trade relationship with China. C-suite executives, government officials, and media members from all over the world have made their way to attend the first in-person World Economic Forum, or WEF, event in China since the pandemic began. The WEF's three-day "Summer Davos" will see over 1,500 participants discuss topics centered around "Entrepreneurship: The driving force of the global economy."

Persons: Li Qiang, —, Li, PASCAL BITZ, Xi Jinping Organizations: Service, Entrepreneurship, New, People's, Economic, China's, Financial Times Locations: Tianjin, Davos, Saudi Arabia, China, Local, People's Republic of China, Kingdom

☆ China will continue to be a strong driving force for the global economy, premier says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailChina will continue to be a strong driving force for the global economy, premier saysChina has served as an important anchor and proponent of free trade and stable growth in the world, Premier Li Qiang said at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin.

Persons: Li Qiang Organizations: China, New Champions Locations: China, Tianjin

☆ China decoupling would be an act of 'suicide' for Europe, Hungary's foreign minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Thomas Trutschel | Photothek | Getty ImagesHungary's foreign minister said Tuesday that any move to decouple, or even de-risk, from China would be an act of "suicide" for Europe. "Both decoupling and de-risking would be a suicide committed by the European economy," Szijjártó told CNBC's Sam Vadas at the World Economic Forum's annual conference in Tianjin, China. "How could you decouple without killing the European economy?" Péter Szijjártó Foreign Minister of HungaryThe issue is a particularly sensitive balancing act for Europe, which remains deeply reliant on U.S. support in Ukraine but also has critical economic ties with Beijing. China was the largest source of EU imports and the third-largest buyer of EU goods in 2022, according to Eurostat.

Persons: Thomas Trutschel, Péter Szijjártó, Szijjártó, CNBC's Sam Vadas, Péter, Mercedez Organizations: Photothek, Getty, Beijing, Péter Szijjártó, Eurostat, European Union, Amperex Technology, Mercedez Benz, BMW, VW Locations: China, Europe, Tianjin, Beijing, Hungary, Ukraine

☆ China slams the West for 'hyping up' the concept of 'de-risking.' Here's what it means and why China is so worried.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Spriha Srivastava | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US-China trade war has impacted manufacturing exports, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Opening Plenary with Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China World Economic Forum/Benedikt von LoebellWhy does de-risking matter? According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the trade war of 2018-19 devastated US exports to China. A big sticking point for the two nations is the US manufacturing exports to China. "Prior to the trade war, manufacturing was 44 percent of total US goods and services exports to China — the largest component of pre-trade war commerce.

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, —, Ursula von der Leyen, Benedikt von Loebell, Trump, Morgan, JP Morgan Organizations: Service, European, Economic, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Peterson Institute, Semiconductor Industry Association Locations: China, West, Davos, Tianjin, decouple, People's Republic of China, China —, East Asia, Taiwan, South Korea

☆ Morning Bid: China supports, peak rate haze
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

It made its displeasure at further yuan weakness clear on Tuesday, lifting official daily targets while state banks sold dollars. Even though investors seemed to bat away the bizarre weekend events in Russia, the murky Western interest rate picture continues to hamper European and U.S. stocks. Central bankers meeting at an annual European Central Bank forum in Portugal dissuaded markets from betting on a peak in the interest rate cycle just yet. While those comments are likely more directed at European policymakers, where disinflation is lagging, markets also still expect the Fed to push ahead with at least one more interest rate rise next month. The hawkish rate picture didn't deter demand for two-year Treasury notes at Monday's auction, however, and 2-year yields slipped below 4.70% on Tuesday.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Li Qiang, Hong Kong's, Christine Lagarde, Lagarde, Gita Gopinath, Morgan Stanley, Emelia Sithole Organizations: Federal, Economic, Bank of Japan, European Central Bank, ECB, Conference, University of Michigan's, Dallas Federal, Richmond Fed, Central Bank, Treasury, Walgreens, Reuters, Thomson Locations: U.S, China, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Russia, Portugal, Sintra

☆ New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins under fire for bringing backup plane on China trip
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Isaac Yee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been criticized for bringing a backup plane on his visit to China this week, with opposition leaders pointing to excess planet-warming emissions created in the middle of the climate crisis. A “backup aircraft” was “pre-positioned” in the Philippine capital Manila in case the primary aircraft carrying Hipkins and a trade delegation broke down, the spokesperson said. The leader of the opposition National Party Chris Luxon said Hipkins’ use of two planes wasn’t a good look environmentally, according to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ). The 757s are “around 30 years old, are nearing the end of their economic lives, and are due for replacement between 2028 and 2030,” Hipkins’ spokesperson said. Former New Zealand prime ministers have faced political embarrassment after their planes broke down on official trips.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, “, ”, National Party Chris Luxon, David Seymour, ” Seymour, Seymour, ” Hipkins, John Key, RNZ, Jacinda Ardern, Hipkins Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Zealand’s, CNN, National Party, Radio New Zealand, ACT Party, Ford, Defense Force, RNZAF, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Boeing, New Zealand Defense Force, Former New Zealand, RNZAF Boeing, Air Force Locations: Hong Kong, China, Philippine, Manila, India, Australia, Melbourne, Auckland, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai

☆ China's economy is set to grow faster in the second quarter, Premier Li Qiang says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends a meeting on June 26, 2023, with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization ahead of the World Economic Forum New Champions meeting in Tianjin, China. Pool | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesBEIJING — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday his country was still on track to reach its annual growth target of around 5%. Li was speaking at the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions. On Tuesday, the Chinese premier repeated the line about forecast upgrades, again without mentioning specific institutions or dates. In June, the World Bank raised its forecast for China's growth this year to 5.6%, up from 4.3% previously.

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, Xi Jinping, Goldman Sachs Organizations: World Trade Organization, Getty, New, JPMorgan, UBS, Bank of America, Bank, Monetary Fund Locations: Tianjin, China, BEIJING

☆ Globalisation remains intact despite some setbacks - China Premier Li
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

TIANJIN, June 27 (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Qiang told delegates that globalisation remains intact despite some setbacks at a World Economic Forum summit in Tianjin on Tuesday. The pandemic is unlikely to be the last public health crisis for the world, Li added. Reporting by Kevin Yao; Writing by Joe Cash; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, Kevin Yao, Joe Cash, Kim Coghill Organizations: Thomson Locations: TIANJIN, Tianjin

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