David O'Rear's East Asia Politics & Economics Blog

Hints to Xi Jinping’s grasp of reform era Chinese politics arise in Zhu Rongji’s obit:

“Under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Jiang Zemin at the core, Zhu spearheaded reform of the fiscal and taxation systems, carrying out a major overhaul of the tax regime centered on fairer tax burdens and a simplified tax system.” “After retiring from leade...

The United States’ trade with the world increased 5.3% in the first half of the year, as compared to January-June 2025, to more than $3 trillion. Exports grew 15.4% to $1.25 trillion while imports fell -0.8%, to $1.78 billion. The trade balance improved by $181.7 billion, to -$534.8 billion.

Blame China.

Imports from the Middle Kingdom fell by -22.8%, or -...

The US economy slowed to +2.1% in the second quarter of 2026, after rising +2.7% in January-March. Both figures are inflation-adjusted, and year-on-year calculations. The quarter-to-quarter annualized figures were +2.1% in Q-1 and +1.5% in Q-2.

Private consumption expenditure, where three-quarters of the growth originated, expanded ...

US merchandise trade increased +15.9% YoY in June, with two-way commerce coming in at $510.9 billion. Exports were up +14.8%, to $204.7 billion, and imports by +16.6%, to $306.2 billion. Over the course of the first half of 2026, trade was up +2.8%, with exports (+14.9%) far out-shining imports (-4.4%).

The dramatic turnaround in imports in the second qua...

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Secretary General Xi Jinping has been on a mission to drive from office anyone who crosses him. For many decades, the senior-most members of the party have been immune from prosecution for mere financial crimes, and only severely punished for daring to challenge the boss.

That changed this month when Xinjiang CCP Secretary and Politbur...