A wonderfully perceptive article from Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel laureate in economics, should be required reading for anyone interested in China's new economy. In a few broad brush strokes, Stiglitz summarised the challenges facing China as it evolves from the traditional economic model that has served it so well in the recent past but is now being questioned -- and not just by hawkish politicians in the west...   more »

China has delayed indefinitely its national "action plan" on climate change, which was due to be released earlier this week. The delay comes at a time of growing international concern at China's apparent desire to back-pedal on earlier commitments to adopt a "green" agenda for economic growth...   more »

Western companies have long pushed for greater access to service industries, but Beijing remains concerned about the ability of domestic service companies to compete. Nevertheless, China is now pushing for a more services-oriented economy and so we can expect a gradual opening to foreign rivals, just as has happened with the country's banking sector...   more »