China
The Most Powerful Chinese Leader of the “New Era”, Xi Jinping Pursues Chinese Dream
At the close of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China during October 18-24, Xi Jinping continued the second term of his presidency flanked by another six members of the new Politburo Standing Committee.
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Aside from Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China and Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council, there are five other members of the Politburo Standing Committee who are all new to the committee:
1) Li Zhanshu, Director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Office of the National Security Commission,
2) Wang Yang, Vice Premier of the State Council,
3) Wang Huning, a political theorist and Director of the Central Policy Research Office,
4) Zhao Leji, Director of the Central Organization Department and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and
5) Han Zheng, Party secretary of Shanghai. However, the potential successors of Xi such as Hu Chunhua, Party Secretary of Guangdong, and Chen Min’er, Party Secretary of Chongqing, were not elected to sit on the new Politburo Standing Committee. Therefore, it is expected that Xi Jinping may be preparing for a third term of presidency.
The 14 principles of Xi Jinping thought that have now been enshrined in the party’s constitution are a guide for China to achieve a modern, prosperous, and progressive socialist state.
Covering both economics and politics, the ideologies include significant economic elements such as a call for “comprehensively deepen reform” with the adoption of “new vision for development,” and the policy direction in improving the quality of life of Chinese people and, at the same time, preserving the environment so that humans and nature can coexist in harmony.
The ideologies also place importance on the expansion of China’s influence on the world stage under the vision to build a community of shared future for mankind. While the political essences of the ideologies concentrate on centralization of power by emphasizing the power of the Communist Party in decision-making, law enforcement and governance and ensuring absolute power of the Party over the People’s Army. It also emphasizes the importance of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, which refers to the mainland China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao and the “One China” policy, which cements the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan.
Over the past five years, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has entered a “new era,” bringing many impressive achievements, in all economic, social or political aspects.
Years of rapid economic expansion has raised China’s GDP to CNY 80 trillion, contributing to 30% of global economic growth from 2013 to 2016. China’s economic structure has shifted toward an innovation-driven era resulting in the emerging digital industry and, along with it, the introduction of numerous technological products such as high-speed rail, delivery drone and electric vehicle. Moreover, China continues to lead all other nations on the foreign trade and investment front, particularly under Belt and Road Initiatives. Even China’s measures to elevate the poor has achieved a high level of success, raising over 60 million people out of poverty.
Author: Jiramon Sutheerachart
Business
Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in China after approval, competing with Eli Lilly’s upcoming weight-loss drug. The treatment, costing 1,400 yuan, targets obesity but has potential side effects and isn’t covered by healthcare.
Wegovy Launch in China
Novo Nordisk recently launched its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China after obtaining approval from local health authorities in June. The introduction of Wegovy is expected to increase competition with Eli Lilly, which has also received approval for its weight-loss treatment, although it has not yet been released in China’s significant pharmaceutical market.
Cost and Accessibility
In China, a set of four Wegovy injections will be priced at 1,400 yuan (approximately $194), significantly lower than the drug’s U.S. price. However, patients will need to pay the full amount out of pocket since Wegovy is not yet covered by the national healthcare insurance plan.
Benefits and Side Effects
Research indicates that Wegovy can help users lose over 10% of their body weight. The drug contains semaglutide, which assists with appetite control and satiety. While Wegovy has been gaining traction globally, it may cause side effects like nausea. Concerns have emerged about its misuse among individuals who are not obese, prompting medical professionals to remain vigilant.
Source : Popular weight-loss drug Wegovy goes on sale in China
China
China Implements New Measures to Increase Foreign Investment in A-Share Market
China’s 2024 updates to strategic investment rules simplify A-share market access for foreign investors by lowering shareholding thresholds, reducing lock-up periods, and increasing investment options, reflecting a commitment to greater market openness and participation in economic reform.
The 2024 updates to China’s strategic investment rules simplify entry for foreign investors in the A-share market by lowering shareholding thresholds, reducing lock-up periods, and expanding investment options, signaling a commitment to increased market openness and flexibility through these new measures.
China’s capital markets are undergoing a significant transformation as part of the nation’s ongoing commitment to economic reform and openness. The recent update to the Administrative Measures for Strategic Investment in Listed Companies by Foreign Investors (hereinafter, the “new measures”) reflects this commitment, targeting an increase in foreign investor participation in China’s A-share market. For nearly two decades, China’s “strategic investment” pathway provided foreign investors with access to shares in A-share listed companies, but strict requirements—such as high minimum investment thresholds and prolonged lock-up periods—made it accessible only to select large investors.
The new measures, effective December 2, 2024, relax many of these restrictions to attract a broader and more diverse range of foreign investors. Key changes include lowering the minimum shareholding threshold from 10 percent to 5 percent, reducing the asset requirements from US$100 million to US$50 million in assets, and shortening the lock-up period from three years to one. Additionally, foreign investors can now use equity from unlisted overseas companies as consideration, while new investment routes, like tender offers, enhance flexibility.
In 2005, China introduced the Strategic Investment Regime as part of its broader efforts to open up its financial markets to foreign capital while retaining a level of control over sensitive industries. This framework allowed qualified foreign investors to acquire strategic stakes in Chinese A-share listed companies, aiming to promote foreign participation in the domestic market.
However, the stringent requirements—such as high minimum investment thresholds and extended lock-up periods—restricted this pathway to a limited pool of large, multinational investors. The regime reflected China’s cautious approach at the time, seeking to balance openness with economic stability and control over critical sectors.
A decade later, in 2015, China implemented its first significant revisions to the Strategic Investment Regime. These amendments sought to make the investment process more accessible by easing certain restrictions, aiming to encourage foreign capital inflow as China continued its gradual integration into global markets.
While some requirements were relaxed, the fundamental limitations—such as high entry thresholds and complex approval processes—remained in place, meaning that access to China’s A-share market was still primarily confined to major institutional investors with substantial capital.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
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China
Less is More: Rethinking Indonesia’s Tariffs on China
Rising concerns over China’s industrial overcapacity have led countries to impose higher tariffs, including Indonesia’s planned 200% tariffs on Chinese goods, risking Indonesia’s competitiveness and economic security.
Tariffs Escalate Amid Concerns of Overcapacity
Concerns regarding China’s industrial overcapacity have prompted countries to increase tariffs on Chinese goods. Indonesia, following the U.S. example, plans to impose tariffs as high as 200 percent on various Chinese imports, including textiles and ceramics. This response aims to safeguard local jobs from the influx of inexpensive Chinese products.
Economic Impact of Tariffs
These tariffs are designed as safeguards and anti-dumping measures against potential job losses in Indonesia. However, the ongoing investigations have not definitively shown that China’s practices are the root cause of these issues. The political appeal of broad tariffs might lead to unintended consequences, such as reducing the overall competitiveness of Indonesian exports and risking retaliatory measures from affected countries.
Dependency on Chinese Goods
Indonesia heavily relies on Chinese manufacturing inputs, which constituted over 26 percent of its intermediary goods imports in 2021. With competitive pricing, these inputs have enhanced Indonesia’s export capabilities, particularly to markets like the U.S., where the trade surplus increased from $8.58 billion in 2019 to $11.96 billion in 2023. Reducing trade openness may ultimately undermine the Indonesian economy’s resilience against geopolitical challenges.
- Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
- China Implements New Measures to Increase Foreign Investment in A-Share Market
- Less is More: Rethinking Indonesia’s Tariffs on China
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