China

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

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its 2026 growth forecast for China to 4.5 percent, up 0.3 percentage points from its October projection. This revision reflects eased trade tensions resulting from a yearlong trade truce between the US and China and ongoing domestic stimulus measures. China's growth for 2025 was also revised upward to 5 percent, supported by stimulus and increased policy bank lending for investment. However, the IMF expects growth to slow to 4 percent in 2027 due to structural headwinds.

China's National Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s GDP reached a record $20.01 trillion in 2025 with 5 percent growth. NBS head Kang Yi highlighted the effectiveness of China’s proactive macro policies in stabilizing growth amidst external shocks and domestic challenges. China remains a major contributor to global growth, responsible for about 30 percent, and continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies.

Globally, the IMF projects growth at 3.3 percent in 2026, slightly higher than in October, driven largely by stronger-than-expected growth in both the US and China. US growth is forecast at 2.4 percent, up 0.3 percentage points, supported by fiscal policies, lower interest rates, and easing trade barriers. The IMF attributes this global resilience to easing trade tensions, significant fiscal support, solid financial conditions, and adaptive private sector responses to disrupted trade flows.

The IMF also emphasizes the surge in investment in information technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as a key growth driver. US IT investment is at its highest share of economic output since 2001, boosting business spending and benefiting Asia’s technology exports. Future scenarios include potential growth gains from AI productivity increases, but risks remain from possible valuation corrections and tighter financial conditions that could reduce global growth.

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

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) reports that Asia-Pacific's economic growth remains resilient, with job creation seen as critical to sustaining long-term development. Agribusiness continues to be a key employment sector, accounting for about 30 percent of the region’s workforce. Tourism and healthcare also present significant job opportunities. Through the World Bank’s AgriConnect initiative, the IFC aims to improve incomes for 300 million farmers across developing countries by 2030 by leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, weather forecasting, and market connectivity.

AI is also transforming other vital employment sectors such as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which face a $3 trillion global financing gap. AI-driven solutions are enabling new credit models to reach businesses outside the formal banking sector. However, the growth of AI and data centers raises sustainability concerns, particularly regarding energy and water consumption. IFC emphasizes ensuring investments in these technologies are supported by sustainable power generation and responsible water management.

IFC’s long-term strategy, IFC 2030, focuses on three pillars: strengthening its ability to mobilize private capital, expanding equity investments to scale companies in the region, and deepening support for MSMEs through AI-driven financial solutions. In the previous year, IFC mobilized $13 billion in Asia-Pacific using $5 billion of its own funds, with a goal to increase this mobilization fivefold by 2030.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 21, 2026 | Corporate Corruption or Fraud

China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has called for a firm crackdown on serious economic crimes to support a law-based business environment. At a national conference of chief procurators, the SPP emphasized the need to harshly punish offenses such as the smuggling of strategic minerals overseas to protect China's strategic interests.

The SPP highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts with the National Financial Regulatory Administration to address illegal intermediary practices in the financial sector. It also stressed the necessity of severe penalties for crimes like illegal fundraising and financial fraud to maintain financial system stability and safeguard people's property.

Additionally, the SPP urged increased action against money laundering, particularly crimes involving underground banks or virtual currencies. The procuratorate recommended strengthening cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission to enforce strict laws against securities crimes, including financial fraud and market manipulation, to uphold the rule of law in the capital market.