« China’s poverty reduction achievements since the launch of reform and opening-up in 1978 constitute a "moral benchmark" against which the success or failure of any policy must be judged »
Kevin Rudd
Former Australian Prime Minister
IN THIS ISSUE
• The Financial Network Surrounding Li Qiang
• The 7th generation takes hold in Shanghai
• In Bishkek, Eurasia is changing course
• Hong Kong: Money Laundering for China's Red Elite
The spate of corruption scandals affecting Zhejiang’s financial network since 2024, amplified by the recent Fang Xinghai affair, appears to be targeting Premier Li Qiang. Nevertheless, the position reserved for him at the 5th Plenum confirms that his standing within the executive remains solid. Everything suggests that Beijing is seeking to curtail his room for manoeuvre in economic matters, despite this being his preserve, whilst China’s growth is slowing.
2026-11-02 - The case of Fang Xinghai, the former deputy head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) who was placed under investigation this summer for corruption, is the latest in a series of arrests targeting the Zhejiang financial network since 2024.
2026-11-02 - Shanghai’s leadership is getting younger: the 7th generation is entering the exclusive circle of China’s major municipalities (Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin) – positions where a decisive share of power is at stake.
2026-11-02 - In September, Huawei was hit by rumours claiming that Ren Zhengfei and his family, including his daughter Meng Wanzhou, the group's vice-chairwoman, had left China.
2026-11-02 - The 13th Xiangshan Forum, held in Beijing from 15 to 17 September 2026, provided valuable insights into the current state of China's military and defence apparatus, both domestically and internationally.
2026-11-02 - An internal assessment list of potential future members of the Politburo Standing Committee for the 21st Party Congress in 2027 was circulated during the 5th Plenum.
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