List experiments reveal that public support for the CCP and Xi Jinping is lower than official claims, highlighting preference falsification and evolving attitudes, especially during the White Paper protests against COVID-19 policies.

Insights from List Experiments

List experiments offer a nuanced approach to measuring public opinion in China, particularly regarding sensitive issues. Unlike traditional surveys that may prompt self-censorship, these experiments reveal that support for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Xi Jinping may be overstated. Evidence suggests that preference falsification—concealing true opinions to align with perceived norms—is prevalent, indicating a disconnect between official figures and genuine sentiments among the populace.

The Impact of the White Paper Protests

Triggered by a tragic fire incident in November 2022, the White Paper protests marked a significant moment in China’s political landscape. Demonstrators expressed their discontent with the government’s stringent COVID-19 measures, challenging the notion that the CCP enjoys unquestioned popular support. Unlike many protests that tend to target local authorities, these protests specifically criticized the central government and the Party’s overarching rule.

Shifting Public Attitudes and Legitimacy

The legitimacy of the CCP relies heavily on public perception, historically linked to its economic achievements and social stability. However, events like the White Paper protests signal potential shifts in popular attitudes that may affect the regime’s stability and policy-making. With a slowing economy and increased authoritarianism under Xi Jinping, understanding these changing sentiments is critical for researchers and policymakers navigating China’s complex state-society dynamics.

Source : Data shows the Chinese government is less popular than state media makes it seem

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Faurecia relocates its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China, signaling a strategic shift to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen its presence in the growing Chinese automotive market.

Faurecia’s Strategic Shift

Faurecia has announced the relocation of its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China. This move is aimed at enhancing the company’s presence in a rapidly growing market for automotive technologies. By shifting its base, Faurecia intends to optimize operations and better serve its clientele across Asia.

Strengthening Market Position

The decision is part of Faurecia’s strategy to consolidate its resources in regions where electric and hybrid vehicle demand is soaring. As China leads the global automotive market in innovative technologies, the relocation will allow Faurecia to align its efforts with industry trends and consumer needs.

Future Aspirations

With this strategic shift, Faurecia aims to drive innovation and expand its production capabilities in China. The company expects this decision to create new growth opportunities and help solidify its competitive edge in the evolving automotive landscape.

Source : Faurecia moves headquarters of electronics business from Japan to China – Automotive News

Despite a 13.7% decline in FDI inflows to $163 billion in 2023, China remains a strong magnet for foreign capital, holding a 12.3% global share. Early 2024 shows recovery, with increased foreign investment in high-tech and services sectors.

Despite a challenging environment, including a significant downturn in 2023, where FDI inflows fell by 13.7 percent to US$163 billion following a 4.5 percent growth in 2022, China remains resilient in attracting foreign capital. This decline was attributed to several factors, including an uneven post-COVID economic recovery, ongoing geopolitical tensions, regulatory uncertainties, and stringent capital control measures.

According to the recently released Statistical Bulletin of FDI in China 2024, China’s FDI scale remained stable in 2023, with a 12.3 percent share of global cross-border direct investment, marking the fourth consecutive year exceeding 10 percent.

Encouragingly, the first nine months of 2024 have demonstrated signs of recovery, with China attracting RMB 640.6 billion (US$90.26 billion) in foreign investment. Notably, there has been an 11.4 percent increase in new foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), with high-tech manufacturing, medical equipment, and professional technical services experiencing substantial growth in foreign capital utilization.

These trends signal a shift towards innovation and services, underscoring ongoing investor interest in China’s dynamic market.

In this article, we explore the key trends and government initiatives shaping China’s FDI landscape, providing insights for businesses seeking to navigate and capitalize on opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy.

In 2023, China’s FDI landscape demonstrated a strong concentration across various industries, underscoring the country’s continued appeal to international investors. The primary sectors attracting foreign capital included:

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