Good morning. Viewed from the west, you might imagine the sole issue for China at the moment is how to respond to Donald Trump. But while that is a central diplomatic concern, Beijing has another urgent matter on its mind: how to revitalise its sluggish economy.
For the past week, the annual Two Sessions meetings in Beijing have offered important clues on both questions – and painted a picture of a country trying to keep some very tricky plates spinning at the same time. As the gathering draws to an end, and Beijing institutes its own tariffs in response to Trump’s today, there is significant pressure on Xi Jinping – but also an opportunity to stake out a new position of influence on the global stage.
