For decades, the deep-throated growl of a Porsche sports car was a sought after status symbol for China’s newly rich. Lately, though, it has lost that mantle to a new breed of whisper-quiet, home-grown electric cars. https://t.co/Lw1huScinS ...

Economic Growth Target - China has set its GDP growth target for 2026 at 4.5% to 5%, marking the least ambitious goal since the early 1990s, allowing policymakers to respond to increased external uncertainties [2][6] - The lowered GDP target reflects persistent domestic growth challenges, including the impact of U.S. tariffs and weak consumption and investment [6][7] External Economic Risks - Heightened economic risks are present due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which threatens China's energy supply [3][4] - The Chinese government has ordered major state oil refiners to suspend diesel and gasoline exports amid concerns over energy access [4] Employment and Job Creation - The Chinese government aims to create 12 million urban jobs, with an urban jobless rate target of around 5.5% [10] - Youth unemployment remains a significant concern, with a rate of 16.3% in January, compared to a nationwide jobless rate of 5.2% last year [9] Investment and Economic Strategy - Despite challenges in the property market, Beijing's plans to stabilize the sector remain similar to previous years, emphasizing effective measures [11] - The government is focusing on achieving tech self-sufficiency, planning to increase investment in scientific research and innovation [11] Export Dependency - Export growth is identified as a critical factor for economic stability; strong exports may allow for tolerance of weak domestic consumption [13] - China plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan ($188.5 billion) in ultra-long-term special treasury bonds in 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous year [13] Long-term Economic Goals - The modest growth target aligns with China's long-term goal of doubling its economy by 2035, requiring an average annual growth of 4.17% over the next decade [14] - The approach indicates a preference for achieving a modest target rather than risking a more ambitious one [15]

The unraveling of the transition to electric cars in the US and Europe has handed Chinese automakers an opportunity to cement their dominance in the electrification race, analysts say https://t.co/xj1ASRBT00 ...

Economically, the only car anyone should buy is a used Model 3. >> I know >> forever my favorite Neiake because it is unequivocally true and makes everybody feel feelings and I love it. >> I think people actually want electric cars regardless of like all the noise and like people who experience them are like this is a better experience than gas cars. I'm saying this as somebody who has gas cars and like the dumbest possible gas cars and loves them very much.There's no reason for my daily driver to be anythi ...

Chinese carmaker Geely has opened the world’s biggest automotive safety testing center, underscoring the country’s push to play a greater role in setting global standards — particularly for electric cars https://t.co/istHjgJGPc ...

For years budget wonks have warned that the rise of electric cars and the death of the internal combustion engine would gouge a hole in the public finances. This goes some way to addressing that https://t.co/BWWINIp3ul ...

Chinese carmakers are making inroads in the UAE, including with electric cars https://t.co/DgGOAmaBqc ...

Geopolitical & Supply Chain Concerns - China's restriction on rare earth mineral exports is viewed as a threat to the global supply chain [1] - China restricted seven rare earth materials initially, and added five more recently [3][4] - These restricted rare earths, critical for commercial and military tech, constitute only about 1% of a rare earth deposit [4] - The move may indicate China's intention to retain these materials long-term, potentially impacting the US [5] - China may be using rare earth restrictions as leverage in trade disputes [6] Market & Economic Impact - China's potential reduction of serium, lanthanum, neodymium, and praodmium prices (the bulk of rare earth deposits) could negatively impact the profitability of new and existing rare earth mines [8] - This could necessitate US government subsidies to maintain operations like the Mountain Pass mine [8][9] - Restrictions will impact electric car production due to the use of dysprosium in neodymium boron magnets [16] - China has historically manipulated rare earth pricing to achieve strategic goals, including attracting foreign investment [16] US Response & Strategic Considerations - The US government may need to subsidize the Mountain Pass mine to secure turbium, dysprosium, scandium, and yttrium, essential for military technologies [10] - The US possesses sufficient heavy rare earth deposits to support military applications, particularly from Mountain Pass and Lionus' Mount Weld mine in Australia [13] - Government involvement and subsidies are likely needed to develop domestic rare earth resources in Wyoming, Alaska (UKORB site), and potentially Greenland [19] - There's a trend towards sovereign control over these materials [19]

Industry Focus - China will prioritize high-end manufacturing in its upcoming five-year plan [1] - The plan targets futuristic sectors like humanoid robots and quantum computing [1] - China aims to expand beyond electric cars into these advanced areas [1]

Correction: Tesla introduced a $39,990 version of the Model Y, making its top-selling vehicle more affordable to counteract the loss of US incentives for electric cars https://t.co/zD0bHkzhEJ ...