No rebound…yet

Urban uber-shoppers

While a number of retail outlets in the UK and US have been brought to a standstill by the financial crisis, the picture in urban China is looking quite different.

Myspace and Facebook face the facts

Global leaders in online social networking are struggling to penetrate the Chinese market, where home-grown alternatives are simply more fun.

The luxury game

Paul French, chief China representative of Access Asia, a consultancy and research company, gives his take on a well-known consumer conundrum.

Sending white elephants to the countryside

How effective are government attempts to encourage sales of white goods in rural China? China Confidential investigates.

Ctrip crowded out

Changing market conditions mean China's leading online hotel and flights reservation provider is losing ground to some ambitious competition.

The financial crisis’ second tide

Is talk of a 'second tide' in the financial crisis a justified concern, or just scaremongering?

The bond issue

Local government bonds: A natural devolution of economic power, or a free rein for corrupt local officials?

China’s protectionism paranoia is justified

China fears an upsurge of protectionism and has plunged itself into diplomatic efforts to avoid it. But a wave of protectionist measures by its own provincial governments is undercutting its argument.

Chinalco's bid for Rio, what are the chances?

Michael Komesaroff, principal of Urandaline Investments, a consultancy specialising on China’s capital intensive industries, writes on who is set to gain most should Chinalco's proposed $19.6bn investment in Rio Tinto get the go ahead.

18th February - 4th March

China pushes to snap up Australian resources, the US and China agree to hold defence talks, Hilary Clinton sweeps human-rights issue under the carpet, more stimulus measures to support China's industry, more banking measures to ease loans, and yet more growth stimulus measures expected to come at National People's Congress.

Is China on the brink of a property rout?

Depending on who you speak to, China’s real estate market is either getting along just fine or is about to spectacularly implode. China Confidential investigates.