Chris Zhang, Partner and CIO of Ascend Interplay (Interplay’s multi-family office), returns to the pod to provide an in-depth analysis of China’s economic landscape in 2025, offering insights beyond mainstream media narratives. We discuss the current state of China’s economy, examining key indicators such as GDP growth, industrial production, and trade activity. At the same time, Chris highlights major concerns, including deflation, a struggling housing market, and long-term demographic challenges, while also shedding light on the country’s transition from a manufacturing-driven economy to a service-oriented one.

We then dive into the geopolitical dynamics between the U.S. and China. In addition to discussing the tariffs, we compare today’s economic competition to the Cold War era, and how shifting alliances - particularly in Europe and the Middle East - are reshaping global power structures.

We also cover China’s technological advancements, particularly in AI and EV manufacturing, where it continues to challenge U.S. dominance. Chris analyzes the impact of U.S. tariffs, supply chain shifts, and investment flows, emphasizing how China remains a key player in the global economy despite short-term volatility.

We wrap up with Chris’s firsthand insights from his recent trip to Beijing and Zhengzhou, where he observes China’s strong consumer activity despite ongoing real estate struggles. The episode concludes with a deep dive into China’s investment landscape, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the nation’s long-term trajectory—offering critical perspectives on how it will continue to shape global trade and economic power structures.

Links:

China 2025: The Big Picture & On-the-Ground Insights