China is preparing additional economic support measures, including allowing local governments to use 550 billion yuan in unused debt quotas. The National Development and Reform Commission has signalled greater policy flexibility to finance major infrastructure projects, stabilise commodity markets and help the country meet its annual growth targets.
World Bank Raises China’s Growth Forecast to 4.5% as Technology Exports Strengthen
The World Bank has upgraded its economic growth forecast for China to 4.5%, citing strong exports from the semiconductor, electric vehicle and renewable energy industries. The improved outlook comes despite continuing weakness in the property market and financial pressures affecting local government financing vehicles.
China Proposes Nationwide Labour Protections for Delivery Riders and Gig Workers
China’s State Council has introduced draft regulations to improve working conditions for millions of delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers and other digital platform workers. The proposed rules would establish minimum payment standards, guarantee rest periods and limit arbitrary company fines, strengthening protections in the country’s expanding gig economy.
China’s Central Bank Rejects Yuan Depreciation as a Strategy to Boost Exports
The People’s Bank of China has stated that it does not intend to deliberately weaken the yuan to increase export competitiveness. The central bank rejected currency depreciation as a response to international trade imbalances and urged trading partners to address underlying economic issues rather than focus on accusations of currency manipulation.
China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies Loses 290 Billion Yuan in Market Value Amid Chip Sector Concerns
Shares in Chinese memory chip manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies have recorded their sharpest decline since the company’s stock market debut, wiping approximately 290 billion yuan from its market value. The selloff reflects investor concerns about volatile memory chip prices and the rising investment costs of competing in the global semiconductor industry.
Alibaba Cloud Introduces Zhenwu V900 AI Chip to Reduce Reliance on Foreign Technology
Alibaba Cloud has launched its proprietary Zhenwu V900 artificial intelligence processor as part of efforts to develop domestic computing technology and reduce exposure to foreign export restrictions. The company is also pursuing a longer-term expansion of data centre capacity to more than 20 gigawatts over the next decade.
China Expands AI-Powered Farming Equipment as Agricultural Mechanisation Exceeds 76%
China’s Agriculture Ministry is accelerating the deployment of autonomous drones, electric harvesters and other advanced farming equipment for the autumn season. Government subsidies have helped push the national crop mechanisation rate above 76%, supporting efforts to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen long-term food security.
Former Senior Xinjiang Official Indicted on Bribery Charges Amid China’s Anti-Corruption Campaign
China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate has authorised the prosecution of a former executive vice chairman of the Xinjiang regional government on bribery charges. The case follows allegations of serious disciplinary and financial misconduct and forms part of Beijing’s continuing campaign against corruption among senior officials.