What to Expect for China’s Economy in 2026?

This Asia Society Policy Institute webinar features Lizzi C. Lee moderating a discussion with Arthur Kroeber, Michael Hirshon, and Wang Xiangwei on China's economic outlook for 2026, focusing on the Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC). The panelists analyze the CEWC readout, highlighting the increased rhetorical emphasis on domestic demand but noting a lack of concrete policy changes to support it. They discuss the property sector's persistent weakness, the challenges of industrial overcapacity and deflationary pressures, and the potential for trade tensions with the U.S. They also touch on the balance of power between China and the U.S. and the implications for China's economic policies, with a consensus view of a "muddle through" approach and a call for more direct support to households and significant reforms in taxation and revenue sharing to boost domestic consumption.