The emergence of a prosperous, middle-income class is seen as important for China’s drive for sustained macroeconomic growth and the achievement of common prosperity. Using household survey data and defining “middle income” as being neither poor nor rich in the developed countries, we examine whether China’s middle-income class can fulfill these expectations. We find that China has successfully grown a prosperous middle-income class, and this class contributed to past macroec

The 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which will convene in late 2027, will continue the Xi Jinping leadership as he enters his fourth term as supreme leader.   When Xi secured his third term as party leader at the 20th Party Congress in 2022, he effectively abolished the term limits that had been in place since the 1990s, so it is unrealistic to expect that he will not seek a fourth term at the forthcoming Party Congress. Regardless of widespread rumors

China’s elevation of “national security” to a priority has redefined the military’s role in protecting the country. With the National Security Commission assuming responsibility for managing external dangers, the role of the People’s Liberation Army has shifted to one of support. The military remains responsible for ensuring combat readiness and nuclear deterrence, but its contribution to national security consists primarily of non-war actions to augment civilian-led efforts.