China’s economic slowdown has sparked a debate among government advisers on the best way to move forward. Some advisers are advocating for structural reforms, challenging those who believe that increased state spending is necessary to support faltering growth. This debate is occurring as global markets seek clues on how China will address its economic downturn, which has resulted in job losses, investor flight, and a decline in the yuan.
The recent piecemeal support measures implemented by Beijing have raised questions about whether short-term relief or long overdue reforms should be prioritized. Advisers calling for immediate stimulus argue that the central government, with its low debt, can shoulder the burden with municipalities to finance infrastructure and boost economic activity. However, pro-reform advisers argue that the traditional stimulus approach has run its course and that bolder structural changes are needed.
Both camps are urging policymakers to treat their proposals with urgency ahead of the annual Central Economic Work Conference in December. Some advisers, like Yu Yongding, advocate for stronger stimulus policies and increased government bond issuance to finance infrastructure investment. They argue that China should not be afraid to increase its budget deficit-to-GDP ratio. On the other hand, advisers who support reforms emphasize the need to unleash the spending power of migrant workers and remove market entry barriers for private firms.
Despite the differing opinions, analysts believe that Chinese leaders can navigate a path that balances stimulus and reforms. Short-term stimulus measures can spur growth but may worsen structural distortions, while structural reforms may bring short-term pain but lead to higher quality and sustainable growth in the long run. China’s economy, the second-largest in the world, is showing signs of stabilization, but challenges such as a property downturn, aging demographics, high debt, and geopolitical tensions remain.
Pro-reform advocates argue that without structural changes, China will struggle to revive confidence in its economy, particularly in the private sector. They believe that returning to the principles set by Deng Xiaoping is crucial for attracting overseas investors and boosting economic growth. The confidence of private firms to invest is seen as essential for the economy to recover.
In conclusion, China’s economic malaise has sparked a debate among government advisers, with some advocating for stimulus measures and others pushing for structural reforms. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for China’s economic future and its ability to revive confidence and sustain growth.
