China needs a coordinated policy package of currency appreciation, tariff cuts and elevated labour benefits to rebalance its massive trade surplus, outspoken former Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan said on Tuesday. Speaking at this year’s Tsinghua PBCSF Global Finance Forum in Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan, Huang described China’s 2025 record-breaking US$1.2 trillion merchandise trade surplus as “shocking”. That momentum has shown no signs of slowing. China’s goods...
We have selected seven lifestyle stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. What is China’s luxury Silk Road Express train like? We ride its new route A resplendent train cuts a fine figure at platform two of Chengdu West Railway Station. Its elegant exterior, unlike the other austere carriages trackside, features striking hues of celadon blue and red, and hand-painted gilded lettering. This is...