遍地是黄金的中国经济，何以表现得如此疲软？

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese economy is facing multiple challenges, primarily due to structural contradictions, changes in the external environment, and the pains of transitioning to a new economic model [12]. Group 1: Structural Contradictions - Insufficient consumption is a major issue, with household consumption accounting for a low proportion of GDP, influenced by an inadequate social welfare system and wealth inequality, where the top 1% holds nearly 97% of wealth [3]. - Investment efficiency is declining, as the reliance on infrastructure and real estate investment has reached a bottleneck, with real estate contributing negatively to GDP growth in 2022 by approximately 0.91 percentage points [3]. - The demographic dividend is fading, with a decreasing proportion of the working-age population and an aging population, leading to increased labor costs and reduced expansion motivation [3]. Group 2: External Environment Deterioration - The rise of trade protectionism, particularly from the U.S., and the "de-risking" strategies are undermining China's export advantages, despite efforts to expand markets through the Belt and Road Initiative [5]. - Global demand is shrinking due to high inflation and interest rates in developed economies, which will pressure China's exports with reduced external orders and competition from low-cost countries by 2025 [5]. - The dollar cycle and capital flow issues are affecting China's overseas assets, with approximately $3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves being influenced by dollar fluctuations, and some funds remaining overseas, not fully converting into domestic investment [6]. Group 3: Policy Adjustments and Market Confidence Issues - The transition from old to new economic drivers is not yet complete, with emerging industries like renewable energy and digital economy growing rapidly but not fully compensating for the decline in traditional industries [8]. - There is a challenge in balancing short-term growth stabilization measures, such as consumption vouchers and special bonds, with long-term reforms like social security system improvements and income distribution adjustments [8]. - Weakening expectations are leading to reduced consumption due to employment pressures and declining property values, while businesses are cutting investments due to insufficient demand and declining profit margins, creating a vicious cycle of low growth, high debt, and weak demand [8]. Group 4: Pathways to Breakthrough - Transitioning to a consumption-driven economy through social security reforms and optimizing income distribution can unleash domestic demand potential and cultivate new growth points in service and green consumption [11]. - Focusing on overcoming "bottleneck" technologies and promoting the integration of digital technologies with traditional industries can help build a self-sufficient industrial chain [9]. - Deepening reform and opening up by establishing a unified national market and aligning with international high-standard trade rules can attract high-quality foreign investment [10]. - Systematic resolution of real estate debt and strategic investments in new infrastructure and emerging industries can enhance economic resilience [11].