Richard Koo, chief economist at Nomura Research Institute, and Zichen Wang, Pekingology newsletter author, delve into China's recent economic maneuvers amid a potential recovery. They discuss the impact of new stimulus measures on the real estate market and examine the balance sheet recession gripping the country. The duo emphasizes the complexity of decision-making within China's governance and highlights the urgency of reforms in local fiscal management. Can these policies truly revitalize growth, or are they merely a repeat of past strategies?

In this lively discussion, Adam Tooze, an esteemed economic historian, joins Qing Wang, a dynamic host of 'The Weirdo' podcast, and Zichen Wang, a research fellow with deep insights into China's economic landscape. They dive into China's evolving relationship with the U.S. post-election, explore shifting consumer behaviors, and dissect China's ambitious industrial strategies. Notably, they address the challenges of the social safety net and the importance of national pride in how Chinese companies are perceived globally.