China faces 2026 marked by economic strains and uneasy rivalry with US: Asia Society


Beijing and Washington will continue to circle each other warily in 2026 even as China’s leadership struggles to balance economic growth against its control fixation, according to a report on next year’s outlook for China released on Wednesday by the Asia Society.

“As we look towards 2026, the story is not one of rises or triumph. It’s not black or white,” said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at the Society’s Centre for China Analysis and one of the report’s co-authors. “It is a story of transitions, trade-offs and tensions.”

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Ice hotel, chapel in Hokkaido resort open for season in Japan
Artistic programme celebrates Vietnam's 14th National Party Congress
North produces enough nuclear material a year for 10-20 weapons, says S. Korea president
Where to go for 'rail thrill' if/when Hanoi's Train Street closes for good
Frontline soldiers, displaced families receive support through ‘Vegetables of Love’
Philippine court to rule on Tacloban journalist charged with financing terrorism, possession of firearms and explosives
Lao Education Ministry signs US$1.35mil package to raise standards at secondary schools
Families of 30 Thailand crane collapse victims receive US$48,000 in compensation
Myanmar–Russia 30-day visa-free travel to begin on Jan 27
Children entering Year One at age six to complete schooling at 16, says Education Ministry

Others Also Read