China needs smarter, not less, investment to unlock household demand
“Boosting consumption” has become one of the most familiar refrains when it comes to discussing China’s economy. From official statements to think tank reports, the idea that China must pivot away from its decades-long reliance on investment and exports towards a more consumer-driven model has gained near-universal traction.
However, this growing consensus risks simplifying a far more complex question: what exactly is the role of consumption in China’s growth, and is its perceived weakness truly...
