Sichuan earthquake prompts a major reconstruction effort

The law established rules against monopolistic conduct and administrative barriers, and created a framework for competition policy. It applied to market actors within a state-led economy where state...

The rollout extended fee exemptions to rural pupils across the country. It widened access but did not erase disparities in school resources, teacher retention or the services available to children...

The congress emphasized balanced development and a more “people-centered” growth model. It signaled recognition of regional and social costs without reversing export- and investment-led growth or...

The new 25 percent standard rate applied to domestic and foreign-funded enterprises, with transitional treatment for some existing incentives. The reform standardized formal rules but altered the...

The law required written contracts and set rules for termination, severance and open-ended employment. It offered a legal tool for workers, but protections were unevenly enforced and migrant and...

By mid-2008 the subsidized rural health program covered all provincial-level regions. Broader enrollment improved access to reimbursement, but financing levels and medical services still differed...

The law began regulating monopoly agreements, abuse of dominance and concentrations of business operators. Its implementation tested how competition rules would apply to private firms, foreign...

The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers accelerated a global contraction that sharply reduced demand for Chinese exports. The crisis exposed the risks of relying on external markets and export...

The government announced a 4 trillion yuan package focused on infrastructure, housing, transport and social projects to counter the global downturn. It sustained growth and employment, but leaned...

A sharp interest-rate cut accompanied fiscal stimulus and credit expansion. The response cushioned the downturn but channeled finance through state banks and local projects, benefiting...