China

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 21, 2026 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

On January 19, 2026, over 200 scholars, diplomats, and officials from 23 countries convened in Beijing for a seminar focused on building and reforming the international governance system. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong emphasized that withdrawing from international agreements is not a solution to global challenges and highlighted the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation. The event included four sub-forums addressing international order, major power relations, international law, and regional cooperation.

The seminar took place in the context of significant global events, including the United States' withdrawal from 66 international organizations and its forcible seizure of Venezuela’s president, which were criticized as violations of international law. Participants broadly supported China’s vision of "true multilateralism," advocating for collective decision-making by all 193 UN member states. Liu Zhenmin and Wang Yizhou noted that multilateralism has been essential for global stability, peace, and development, benefiting both China and the international community over the past three decades.

China promotes multilateralism through initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which emphasizes sovereign equality, international law, practical multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and concrete actions. Huang Jin described the GGI as a rebuttal of unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism, aiming to reform global governance to better reflect the majority of countries rather than a few powerful nations. He stressed that international law is fundamental to global governance and global order.

China's broader global governance framework includes the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), each targeting development, security, and cultural understanding respectively. Sierra Leone’s ambassador to China, Abu Bakarr Karim, highlighted the adverse impact of international turmoil on developing countries, particularly in Africa, urging for better self-directed development. Wang Fan underscored the need for innovation in new energy, materials, and high-end manufacturing to address geopolitical pressures and resource competition.

China Daily | English | News | Jan. 21, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

China’s economy achieved a 5 percent real GDP growth in 2025, meeting its preset annual target despite external uncertainties and domestic economic transitions. Veteran economist Guan Tao attributed this success to breakthroughs in technology and emerging consumption trends, highlighting innovations like DeepSeek, Ne Zha 2, Unitree humanoid robots, and the overseas expansion of Chinese pharmaceuticals, alongside a recovery in consumer activity.

Looking ahead to 2026, Guan considers a GDP growth target between 4.5 percent and 5 percent achievable and aligned with China’s long-term development goals, including the 2035 per capita GDP benchmark. He pointed out that with low inflation and room for labor market improvement, there remains potential for stronger economic momentum if macroeconomic policy support and reforms are effectively coordinated. Strengthening domestic demand could reduce reliance on foreign markets and boost China’s import demand, benefiting both the domestic and global economies.

Monetary policy is expected to remain moderately accommodative with a focus on reflation to support price recovery. The People’s Bank of China cut interest rates on structural monetary tools by 0.25 percentage points to strengthen financial support and signaled further easing measures, such as potential cuts to benchmark rates and reserve requirement ratios. Guan emphasized that the recent appreciation of the renminbi reflects market fundamentals rather than policy intervention, cautioning that currency appreciation should not be relied upon to drive internationalization. He also noted the ongoing move toward a multipolar international monetary system, with gold playing a growing role in global reserves despite potential short-term price volatility.

Times of News | English | News | Jan. 21, 2026 | UndeterminedDemographics

China’s birth rate has reached a record low, continuing a trend of population decline despite policy changes aimed at boosting fertility. After ending the one-child policy in 2016 and allowing up to three children per couple in 2021, birth rates have not risen significantly. The government has introduced financial incentives, including a payment of 3,600 yuan per child under three and provincial-level bonuses such as extra maternity leave, but these have had limited impact.

China’s fertility rate remains around one birth per woman, well below the replacement rate of 2.1, mirroring trends in other East Asian economies like South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Raising children in China has become increasingly costly, contributing to the low birthrate, alongside social factors such as the desire among younger generations for a less stressful lifestyle away from parenting pressures.

United Nations experts predict China’s population will continue to shrink dramatically, with projections of losing more than half of the current population by 2100. This demographic decline poses significant challenges to the Chinese economy, including a shrinking workforce, weakening consumer demand, and rising numbers of elderly people who require support. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences warns that pension funds are being depleted, and the country faces urgent pressure to develop sufficient resources for its aging population.