The article argues that while Beijing's recent economic measures, including a 10 trillion yuan local government debt restructuring package and property market support initiatives, may provide short-term economic stabilisation, they do not address deeper structural issues such as overreliance on investment-led growth and weak household consumption. It argues that without tackling these fundamental problems, China risks becoming overly reliant on temporary fixes, jeopardising its long-term economic sustainability.

The article contrasts President Xi Jinping’s authoritarian governance with civil rights advocate Xu Zhiyong’s push for democracy. Xi, shaped by the chaos of Mao's era, prioritises state control and suppressing civil liberties. Xu, drawing from his experience in rural poverty, champions human rights and justice, advocating for a freer society. His activism has led to a 14-year prison sentence for state subversion, including a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. The piece highlights the stark divide between authoritarianism and democratic ideals shaping China’s future.

The article examines China's Tibet-Aid Project, initiated in 1994, which pairs Tibet's administrative units with inland provinces to inject Han Chinese resources and expertise into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. While officially aimed at promoting development and stability, the project is critiqued as a settler-colonial strategy to assert Han dominance over indigenous Tibetans. Under President Xi Jinping, the initiative has expanded, encouraging Han officials and settlers to relocate to Tibet, thereby accelerating demographic and cultural integration. This approach reflects a broader pattern of using development programs to assimilate minority regions into a Han-centric national identity.

The article highlights the Lijing International Center in Hangzhou, known as the "Influencer Tower," as a symbol of the city’s booming livestreaming industry, which employs over a million people. It underscores the significance of this sector in driving economic growth but also points to recent challenges, including declining occupancy and profitability in the tower. The article uses this example to reflect on the fragility of the e-commerce livestreaming industry, raising questions about its long-term sustainability amid shifting market dynamics.

The article examines the Tibet-Aid Program (TAP), which has been instrumental in Tibet's development over the past 30 years. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, the program has intensified efforts to address local tensions through material development, focusing on enhancing healthcare and education. The TAP aligns with the Chinese Communist Party's priorities, directing resources to villages near the Indian border, a move that may concern India. Despite propaganda efforts, Tibet remains an unattractive destination for cadres, leading to governance challenges in the region.