Experts debate the significance of the abolition of minimum registration capital requirements for new businesses.

Local commentators debate recent policy announcements concerning the establishment of privately-owned banks.

State-owned banks have quietly been lending to state-owned enterprises at reduced interest rates so far this year, buoying the economy but at the expense of bank profits

After a series of delays, China has published a wide-ranging plan for income distribution.

Beijing made a push to channel private capital into state-dominated sectors with a document issued by six ministries last week that allows private capital into areas such as rail, health and transportation. In these areas, private capital may partake in enterprise restructuring, joint investment projects with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and offshore investments. The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) also allowed non-state companies to buy stakes of more than 20% in city commercial banks, rural credit co-operatives and rural commercial banks.

New housing starts in 1Q12 posted their first YoY drop in three years, but state developers are using their inherent advantages to weather a trying phase in the real estate market.

Though investment in plants and machinery by private companies is slowing from last year’s heady growth rates, it is set to remain fairly resilient to China’s broader slowdown, China Confidential research shows.

Leading Chinese commentators discuss the ongoing difficulties facing China’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).