China

Will COVID-19 Remake the World? A Detailed Expert analysis

Published

6 years ago

April 6, 2020

Crises come in two variants: those for which we could not have prepared, because no one had anticipated them, and those for which we should have been prepared, because they were in fact expected. COVID-19 is in the latter category, no matter what US President Donald Trump says to avoid responsibility for the unfolding catastrophe. Even though the coronavirus itself is new and the timing of the current outbreak could not have been predicted, it was well recognized by experts that a pandemic of this type was likely.

SARS, MERS, H1N1, Ebola, and other outbreaks had provided ample warning. Fifteen years ago, the World Health Organization revised and upgraded the global framework for responding to outbreaks, trying to fix perceived shortcomings in the global response experienced during the SARS outbreak in 2003.

In 2016, the World Bank launched a Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility to provide assistance to low-income countries in the face of cross-border health crises. Most glaringly, just a few months before COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, a US government report cautioned the Trump administration about the likelihood of a flu pandemic on the scale of the influenza epidemic a hundred years ago, which killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide.

No one should expect the pandemic to alter – much less reverse – tendencies that were evident before the crisis. Neoliberalism will continue its slow death, populist autocrats will become even more authoritarian, and the left will continue to struggle to devise a program that appeals to a majority of voters.

Just like climate change, COVID-19 was a crisis waiting to happen. The response in the United States has been particularly disastrous. Trump downplayed the severity of the crisis for weeks. By the time infections and hospitalizations began to soar, the country found itself severely short of test kits, masks, ventilators, and other medical supplies.

ALSO READ: Air Canada to temporarily lay off 16,500 staff due to COVID-19 crisis

The US did not request test kits made available by the WHO, and failed to produce reliable tests early on. Trump declined to use his authority to requisition medical supplies from private producers, forcing hospitals and state authorities to scramble and compete against one another to secure supplies.

Delays in testing and lockdowns have been costly in Europe as well, with Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom paying a high price. Some countries in East Asia have responded a lot better. South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong appear to have controlled the spread of the disease through a combination of testing, tracing, and strict quarantine policies.

Interesting contrasts have emerged within countries as well. In northern Italy, Veneto has done much better than nearby Lombardy, largely owing to more comprehensive testing and earlier imposition of travel restrictions. In the US, the neighboring states of Kentucky and Tennessee reported their first cases of COVID-19 within a day of each other. By the end of March, Kentucky had only a quarter of the number of cases as Tennessee, because the state acted much more quickly to declare a state of emergency and close down public accommodations.

For the most part, though, the crisis has played out in ways that could have been anticipated from the prevailing nature of governance in different countries. Trump’s incompetent, bumbling, self-aggrandizing approach to managing the crisis could not have been a surprise, as lethal as it has been. Likewise, Brazil’s equally vain and mercurial president, Jair Bolsonaro, has, true to form, continued to downplay the risks.

On the other hand, it should come as no surprise that governments have responded faster and more effectively where they still command significant public trust, such as in South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

ALSO READ: Gov’t releases Rs 533.33 billion for various development projects so far

China’s response was typically Chinese: suppression of information about the prevalence of the virus, a high degree of social control, and a massive mobilization of resources once the threat became clear. Turkmenistan has banned the word “coronavirus,” as well as the use of masks in public. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán has capitalized on the crisis by tightening his grip on power, by disbanding parliament after giving himself emergency powers without time limit.

The crisis seems to have thrown the dominant characteristics of each country’s politics into sharper relief. Countries have in effect become exaggerated versions of themselves. This suggests that the crisis may turn out to be less of a watershed in global politics and economics than many have argued. Rather than putting the world on a significantly different trajectory, it is likely to intensify and entrench already-existing trends.

Momentous events such as the current crisis engender their own “confirmation bias”: we are likely to see in the COVID-19 debacle an affirmation of our own worldview. And we may perceive incipient signs of a future economic and political order we have long wished for.

So, those who want more government and public goods will have plenty of reason to think the crisis justifies their belief. And those who are skeptical of government and decry its incompetence will also find their prior views confirmed. Those who want more global governance will make the case that a stronger international public-regime health could have reduced the costs of the pandemic.

And those who seek stronger nation-states will point to the many ways in which the WHO seem to have mismanaged its response (for example, by taking China’s official claims at face value, opposing travel bans, and arguing against masks).

ALSO READ: China urges U.S. to stop interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs: FM spokesperson

Via __PS

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Analysis

The Great Launch Rush: How China’s Rocket IPO Surge Is Reshaping the Global Space Race

Published

1 week ago

January 24, 2026

Abdul Rahman

The launchpad is no longer just a stretch of concrete in Florida or Kazakhstan. It has expanded to include the trading floors of Shanghai and Shenzhen. In a coordinated financial maneuver as precise as an orbital insertion burn, China is propelling its top private rocket start-ups into the public markets. This month, the IPO plans for four major firms—LandSpace, i-Space, CAS Space, and Space Pioneer—have advanced with bureaucratic swiftness. It’s a move that signals a profound shift: the 21st-century space race will be won not just by engineers, but by capital markets. As Beijing systematically builds its commercial space arsenal to counter Elon Musk’s SpaceX, we are witnessing the financialization of the final frontier.

Table of Contents

The IPO Quartet: A Strategic Unfolding in Real Time

This is not a trickle of investment but a flood. The Shanghai Stock Exchange’s recent interrogation of LandSpace Technology’s application is the linchpin, advancing a plan to raise 7.5 billion yuan (US$1 billion). They are not alone. i-Space has issued a counselling update, CAS Space passed a key review, and Space Pioneer published its first guidance report—all within a critical seven-day window in January 2025.

Company	Planned Raise (Est.)	Flagship Vehicle / Tech	Current IPO Stage (Jan 2025)	Strategic Angle
LandSpace	¥7.5 Bn (~$1Bn)	Zhuque-3 (Reusable Methalox)	SSE Star Market Review	China’s direct answer to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 reuse.
i-Space	To be confirmed	Hyperbola series	Counselling Phase	Early private pioneer, focusing on small-lift reliability.
CAS Space	To be confirmed	Lijian-1 (Solid)	Review Passed	Spin-off from Chinese Academy of Sciences, blending state R&D with private agility.
Space Pioneer	To be confirmed	Tianlong-3 (Kerosene)	Guidance Published	Aims to be first private firm to reach orbit with a liquid rocket.

The message is clear. As noted in a Financial Times analysis of state-guided industry, China is executing a “cluster” strategy, fostering internal competition within a protected ecosystem to produce a national champion. These IPOs provide the war chest not just for R&D, but for scaling manufacturing—a key lesson learned from watching SpaceX.

ALSO READ: Imran reiterates demand for ‘free and fair’ polls as tussle between govt, opposition deepens in Punjab

State Capitalism Meets the Final Frontier

To view this solely through a lens of Western-style venture capitalism is to misunderstand the engine of China’s space ambition. This IPO wave is a masterclass in the synergy between state direction and private market discipline. Beijing’s “China Aerospace 2030” goals and the mega-constellation project Guowang (a direct competitor to Starlink) create a guaranteed, sovereign demand pull. The government, as the primary customer, de-risks the initial market for these companies, allowing them to scale at a pace unimaginable in a purely commercial environment.

As a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report on space competition astutely observes, China’s model “leverages the full toolkit of national power—industrial policy, military-civil fusion, and strategic finance—to create a self-sustaining space ecosystem.” The IPOs on the tech-focused Star Market are a critical piece, moving the funding burden from state balance sheets to public investors, while retaining strategic oversight. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. model, where SpaceX and its rivals have been fueled primarily by private VC, corporate debt, and, in Musk’s case, the cash flow of a billionaire’s other ventures.

The Valuation Galaxy: Appetite, Hype, and Calculated Risk

Investor appetite appears voracious, driven by the siren song of the trillion-dollar space economy projected by firms like Morgan Stanley. The narrative is compelling: China has over 100 commercial space firms, a booming satellite manufacturing sector, and a national imperative to dominate low-Earth orbit. The IPO funds will be channeled into the holy grail of reuse—LandSpace’s goal to land and refly its Zhuque-3—and scaling launch rates to dozens per year.

ALSO READ: The Leading Economic Giants of 2025: Fourth Quarter Insights as December Ends

Yet, risks orbit this sector like space debris. Overcapacity is a real threat, as four major firms and dozens of smaller ones vie for domestic launch contracts. Technical reliability remains unproven at SpaceX’s scale; a high-profile public failure post-IPO could shatter confidence. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions threaten supply chains and access to foreign components, pushing an already insulated market further into redundancy. As Reuters reported on China’s tech sector challenges, self-sufficiency is both a shield and a potential constraint on innovation.

The Long Game: Catching SpaceX or Carving a Niche?

The central question for analysts and investors alike: Is the goal to create a true, global SpaceX competitor, or a dominant national champion that secures the Chinese sphere of influence? The evidence points to the latter, at least for this decade.

While reusable rocket technology is the stated aim—with LandSpace targeting a first reuse by 2026—the immediate market is sovereign. The launch of the 13,000-satellite Guowang constellation will require hundreds of dedicated launches, a contract pool likely reserved for domestic providers. This creates a parallel “space silk road,” where Chinese rockets launch Chinese satellites for Chinese and partner-nation clients, largely decoupled from the Western market.

However, to dismiss this as merely a protected play is to underestimate Beijing’s long vision. By achieving cost parity through reuse and massive scale, China’s leading firm could, by the 2030s, emerge as a formidable low-cost competitor on the commercial international market, much as it did in solar panels and telecommunications infrastructure.

The Bottom Line: An Inflection Point, Not a Finish Line

This month’s IPO rush is not the culmination of China’s commercial space story, but the end of its first chapter. It marks the transition from venture-backed experimentation to publicly accountable scale-up. The capital influx will test whether these firms can evolve from innovative start-ups into industrially disciplined aerospace giants.

ALSO READ: When stock markets are at odds with the economists

The global implications are stark. The United States and Europe now face a competitor whose space ambitions are underwritten not by the fleeting whims of market sentiment, but by the deep, strategic alignment of state policy, national security, and now, liquid public capital. The race for space dominance has entered a new, more financialized, and intensely more competitive phase. The countdown to a bipolar space order has well and truly begun.

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Analysis

The Leading Economic Giants of 2025: Fourth Quarter Insights as December Ends

Published

2 months ago

December 10, 2025

Abdul Rahman

Table of Contents

Introduction

As December 2025 draws to a close, the global economy stands at a fascinating crossroads. The fourth quarter has revealed both continuity and disruption: familiar giants, such as the United States and China, continue to dominate, while rising powers, including India and Germany, reshape the hierarchy. The chessboard of global GDP leaders is shifting, and the implications for trade, investment, and geopolitics are profound.

This article provides a data-driven analysis of the leading economic giants of 2025, comparing nominal GDP, purchasing power parity (PPP), and growth trajectories. It integrates authentic statistics from the IMF, OECD, and Fitch Ratings, while embedding SEO-rich

United States – Still the Nominal Leader

The United States remains the world’s largest economy in nominal terms, with GDP estimated at $29 trillion in 2025. Growth has moderated to around 2%, reflecting a mature cycle but supported by robust consumer spending and AI-driven productivity gains.

Inflation: ~2.75%, easing from earlier highs.
Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve has begun rate cuts, balancing inflation control with growth support.
Sectoral Strength: Technology, healthcare, and financial services continue to anchor resilience.

Despite China’s PPP dominance, the U.S. retains unmatched influence in global capital markets, innovation ecosystems, and reserve currency status.

China – Closing the Gap

China’s economy has expanded to nearly $26 trillion nominal GDP, with growth around 4.8% in 2025. On a PPP basis, China leads the world, outpacing the U.S. by an estimated Int. $10.4 trillion.

Exports: Strong performance in EVs, semiconductors, and renewable energy.
Domestic Demand: Rising middle-class consumption continues to drive growth.
Challenges: Property sector fragility and demographic headwinds remain.

ALSO READ: PM announces Huge Relief Package to tackle Economic Slowdown due to Covid-19 Pandemic

China’s ability to sustain growth above advanced economies underscores its role as a global GDP leader 2025, though questions linger about structural reforms.

India – The Rising Star

India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth near 6% in 2025. Its nominal GDP is projected at $4.8 trillion, positioning it to surpass Japan by 2026 and claim the fourth-largest spot globally.

Drivers: Digital economy expansion, infrastructure investment, and strong domestic demand.
Demographics: A youthful workforce contrasts sharply with aging populations in advanced economies.
Global Role: Increasing influence in supply chains, fintech, and renewable energy.

India’s trajectory exemplifies the emerging markets rise 2025, making it a focal point for investors and policymakers alike.

Germany – Europe’s Anchor

Germany solidified its position as the third-largest economy, overtaking Japan in 2023 and maintaining momentum in 2025. With GDP around $5.5 trillion, Germany anchors the Eurozone, which grew at 1.4% in 2025.

Industrial Strength: Automotive, engineering, and green technologies.
Policy Focus: Energy transition and fiscal discipline.
Resilience: Despite global headwinds, Germany’s export machine remains robust.

Germany’s role as Europe’s anchor highlights the Eurozone Q4 outlook, balancing stability with innovation.

Japan & Emerging Markets

Japan, once the world’s second-largest economy, has slipped to fifth place with GDP around $4.7 trillion. Growth remains sluggish (~1%), constrained by demographics and deflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, emerging markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria are showing resilience. Their collective growth underscores the global growth forecasts 2025, with commodity exports, digital adoption, and regional trade blocs driving momentum.

Comparative Data Table

Country	Nominal GDP (2025 est.)	Growth Rate	PPP Position
US	$29T	2%	#2
China	$26T	4.8%	#1
Germany	$5.5T	1.4%	#4
India	$4.8T	6%	#3
Japan	$4.7T	1%	#5

Conclusion – Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2025 ends, the economic giants Q4 2025 analysis reveals a reshaped hierarchy. The U.S. remains the nominal leader, China dominates PPP, India rises rapidly, and Germany anchors Europe. Emerging markets add dynamism to the global outlook.

ALSO READ: Japan offers assistance, expertise to Pakistan to fight against Covid-19

Looking ahead to 2026:

AI-driven productivity will offset demographic challenges.
Green energy transition will redefine industrial competitiveness.
Geopolitical risks (trade tensions, regional conflicts) will test resilience.

The economic outlook 2026 suggests a world where power is more distributed, innovation is more global, and competition is more intense.

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China

Second China-Europe Railway Forum 2025: Xi’an Hosts Global Leaders for Belt and Road Connectivity Boost

Published

3 months ago

November 13, 2025

Abdul Rahman

Xi’an, China – November 13, 2025 – In a landmark move for Eurasian trade and logistics, the ancient city of Xi’an is set to become the epicenter of innovation as it hosts the Second China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum from November 18-20, 2025. Announced by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), this high-profile event promises to accelerate the China-Europe Railway Express—a vital artery of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—delivering faster, greener, and more reliable freight connections between Asia and Europe.

If you’re tracking the future of international rail freight, Eurasian supply chains, or sustainable logistics, this forum is unmissable. With freight volumes surging 20% year-over-year on key routes, the event arrives at a pivotal moment for global trade amid geopolitical shifts and rising demand for eco-friendly transport alternatives to air and sea shipping.

Table of Contents

Why the China-Europe Railway Express Matters in 2025

The China-Europe Railway Express, operational since 2011, has revolutionized cross-continental cargo movement. Trains now zip from cities like Chongqing and Chengdu to European hubs such as Duisburg and Madrid in just 12-15 days—half the time of maritime routes. Last year alone, over 17,000 trains carried 1.7 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), underscoring its role in resilient global supply chains.

Hosted in Xi’an—the historic starting point of the ancient Silk Road—this forum builds on the inaugural 2023 event in Lianyungang, which drew 500+ delegates and sparked collaborations worth billions. Under the theme “Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future”, expect deep dives into:

Enhancing safety and efficiency: Strategies for “bulletproof” rail systems amid increasing volumes.
Expanding trade corridors: New routes through Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond to diversify beyond traditional paths.
Green innovation in logistics: Low-carbon tech, electric locomotives, and digital twins for sustainable BRI growth.

ALSO READ: Consul General of Liberaland in Pakistan Faisal Butt hails Imran Khan’s strategy that reduced Covid-19 Cases in Pakistan .

Agenda Highlights: What to Expect at the Xi’an Forum

The three-day extravaganza kicks off with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring speeches from NDRC officials, EU transport ministers, and BRI partners. Parallel sessions will ignite discussions on:

Ultra-Efficient Transport Systems: Exploring AI-driven scheduling, automated customs clearance, and high-speed upgrades to handle 2 million+ TEUs annually by 2030.
Diverse Trade Corridors: Mapping untapped routes like the New Eurasian Land Bridge, with spotlights on Kazakhstan, Poland, and emerging African extensions.
Integrated Development Breakthroughs: From blockchain for secure tracking to renewable energy powering rail hubs—unlocking $100B+ in BRI investments.

Live demos, B2B matchmaking, and networking galas will connect freight forwarders, policymakers, and tech innovators. Past attendees rave about tangible outcomes, like the 2023 forum’s MoUs that boosted rail freight by 15% on key lines.

Key Forum Stats	Details
Date	November 18-20, 2025
Location	Xi’an International Convention Center, Shaanxi Province
Expected Attendees	800+ from 50+ countries
Focus Areas	Rail Safety, New Corridors, Green Tech
Predecessor Success	2023 Lianyungang event: 500 delegates, 20+ partnerships

Xi’an: Where History Meets High-Speed Future

As Shaanxi’s capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, Xi’an blends Terra Cotta Warriors grandeur with modern rail prowess. Home to the Xi’an Dry Port—handling 1M+ TEUs yearly—it’s a natural fit for this Belt and Road milestone. Visitors can tour the Silk Road Museum post-forum, tying ancient trade vibes to today’s China-Europe freight revolution.

Join the Momentum: Register Now for the China-Europe Railway Forum

Whether you’re a logistics exec eyeing Eurasian rail opportunities or a policy wonk passionate about sustainable BRI projects, secure your spot via the official NDRC portal. Early bird registration closes November 15—don’t miss riding the rails to a connected tomorrow!

ALSO READ: How to Start an AI-Powered Startup Business to Succeed Online

For more on China-Europe trade trends, Belt and Road updates, or global logistics news, subscribe to our newsletter. Share your thoughts: How will this forum shape international freight in 2026? Comment below!

Sources: NDRC Press Release, Belt and Road Portal. Images: Courtesy of Xi’an Convention Bureau (alt: “High-speed freight train on China-Europe Railway Express route”).

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