According to sentinel surveillance data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in the 29th week of 2026 (July 13 to 19), the COVID-19 test positivity rate in China surpassed that of influenza, remaining the leading respiratory pathogen for several consecutive weeks.
In the first half of 2026, the proportion of Chinese homeowners over the age of 60 listing their properties for sale soared to 22.7%, a significant increase from 11.3% in 2022.
The host believes Russia is on the verge of defeat in the Russia-Ukraine war, and Putin is seeking a way to step down with dignity, minimizing losses and ensuring his personal safety.
The host predicts that by the second half of 2026, the remaining socialist forces in China, Russia, North Korea, and other countries will come to an end.
Data from the General Administration of Customs of China shows that China's exports of rare earth magnets to the U.S. in August fell 21% from July to 512 tons. Ahead of a meeting between Trump and Xi, outside analysts suggest the Chinese side may use the expansion of rare earth exports as a negotiating chip. In addition, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held a meeting on trade and artificial intelligence issues, and both sides agreed to further consultations.
In a conversation, Morgan Stanley's Chief Economist for China, Xing Ziqiang, pointed out that China's social security expenditure accounts for only about 8% of GDP, far below the OECD average of 25% and the levels of developing countries with similar per capita GDP, and also mentioned group disparities in the enjoyment of public services.
Reports on September 21 showed that the unemployment rate among non-student youth aged 16 to 24 in China rose to 18.9%, amid a continuing economic downturn. Although multiple economists have warned that AI is unlikely to drive employment, Beijing still plans to invest approximately $295 billion over the next five years to build a national data center network. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of focusing on "hard power" rather than just GDP.
According to Bloomberg, China is planning to invest approximately $295 billion over the next five years to build a national data center network. Xi Jinping emphasized that the focus should be on "hard power" and "new quality productive forces" rather than just GDP growth. Despite warnings from multiple economists that AI is unlikely to boost employment and could weaken consumption, officials continue to push forward with the investment plan, sparking public concern over an "AI Great Leap Forward".
On September 19, Huang Yiping, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the People's Bank of China, stated at the Beijing Economic Forum that artificial intelligence may exacerbate the contradiction between China's overcapacity and insufficient household purchasing power. He pointed out that distribution leaning toward capital leads to weak demand, and suggested increasing the proportion of household income through market-oriented reforms, while the central government borrows to repair the balance sheets of local governments and enterprises.
On September 15, The Wall Street Journal published an article pointing out that while China can avoid a sudden financial crisis through its state-controlled financial system, the losses from real estate and bank bad loans will not disappear. Economist Michael Pettis believes that the losses will be borne by ordinary residents in the long run through low deposit returns and shrinking asset values, rather than manifesting in public forms such as bank failures.
On September 15, German Chancellor Merz criticized China at the Berlin Entrepreneurs' Conference, stating that through state intervention, overcapacity, and export subsidies, China has driven the EU's trade deficit with China to over 300 billion euros. EU leaders plan to discuss in October whether to deploy trade defense instruments.
Hu Hongling, a lawyer at Anhui Qingheqing Law Firm, sparked heated online discussion after sharing a PPT on layoff optimization paths inspired by the "Xingyu Incident".
Multiple employees of Chongqing Dalongwang Technology Group gathered in protest in front of the company, shouting slogans demanding the return of their money to protect their rights, due to long-term unpaid wages.
Dozens of sanitation workers in Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, gathered in front of the county government to demand their long-overdue wages.
Workers at the CCCC Tianjin Dredging Co., Ltd. Green Building Materials EPC Base in Jianshi County, Enshi, Hubei, slept on the ground in front of the company gate to collectively demand unpaid wages after experiencing long-term wage arrears and multiple broken promises by the employer.