Is the 'peak China' narrative just another overhyped doomsday prediction? 🌍 Analysts have been buzzing about China's economic slowdown, pointing to property market dips and shifting global trade dynamics. But Ge Lin, a CGTN economic commentator, argues this story misses the bigger picture—like judging a smartphone by its 2005 flip-phone ancestor. 📱
Old Maps, New Roads
The 'peak' theory assumes China is stuck replaying its old growth playbook: cheap labor, urbanization-driven demand, and exports. But Lin says the country purposefully shifted gears years ago. Think less 'factory floor' and more 'innovation hub'—prioritizing tech, sustainability, and high-value industries. 💡
Switching Engines Mid-Flight ✈️
What critics call 'decline' might actually be growing pains from this transition. Lin compares it to upgrading a plane's engine while cruising at 30,000 feet—messy but necessary. China's push for AI, green energy, and domestic consumption isn't a panic move; it's a calculated bet on long-term resilience.
The Real Question
Forget 'Is China's old model dead?' (Spoiler: Yes, by design.) The key now: Is the new model working? Early signs—like rising R&D investment and patent filings—suggest yes. As one TikTok economist might say: 'Don't sleep on the dragon.' 🐉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com