Latest news with #JiehaoChen
Economist
6 hours ago
- Business
- Economist
Cash-trapped (part 2): drowning in debt
China may be a nation of savers, but it is becoming a nation of spenders, too. In the past decade many middle-class Chinese have grown accustomed to borrowing money for everything from property to basic expenses. As a result, household debt is soaring and millions of people are defaulting on their loans. In the second episode of a two-part series, we're asking Chinese families, young professionals and business owners about their money troubles. This week, Jiehao Chen, The Economist 's China researcher, and James Miles, our China writer-at-large, explore why so many Chinese people are struggling with their repayments.
Economist
05-08-2025
- Business
- Economist
Cash-trapped (part 1): saving amid a property crisis
Open up the balance sheet of a typical Chinese household, and you will see plenty to worry about on both sides of the ledger. Household debt is higher than it was a decade ago, while savings are concentrated in bank deposits or bricks and mortar. This conservative approach to saving may have worked in the past—but now it's showing signs of strain amid a faltering property market, stagnant wages and growing debt distress. In a two-part series, we're asking Chinese families, young professionals and business owners about their money troubles. This week, Jiehao Chen, The Economist 's China researcher, and Simon Cox, our China economics editor, explore how the dream of security through home ownership became a nightmare.
Economist
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economist
The enduring appeal of a 400-year-old Chinese story
Published in 1592, 'Journey to the West' is the most famous novel in Chinese literature. Better known as 'The Monkey King' outside of China, it is also one of the country's most successful cultural exports. It tells the story of a pilgrimage undertaken by a monk and his three disciples—a monkey, a pig and a bearded muscly man. The tale has inspired countless adaptations across film, TV and video games. Most recently, Ne Zha 2 broke box-office records in China. For the return of Drum Tower's film club, Jiehao Chen, The Economist 's China researcher, and Rosie Blau, host of 'The Intelligence' and former China correspondent, analyse their pick of the adaptations. More than 400 years after 'Journey to the West' was written, why is the story still so popular? And what does it reveal about China today?
