Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that economic construction has always been a priority for any nation, regardless of historical context or social system, and that the focus of economic development has shifted over different periods, particularly highlighting the foundational economic efforts in the early years of New China [1][10]. Summary by Sections Early Economic Construction - In 1949, the establishment of New China occurred in a state of devastation, with a population of approximately 540 million, an average life expectancy of just over 35 years, and an adult illiteracy rate exceeding 80% [4][5]. - The economy was primarily agrarian, with agriculture contributing over 81% to the national economy, and industrial output was extremely low, with steel production at only 135,000 tons [4][5]. - The initial focus was on developing basic infrastructure to lay the groundwork for future economic growth, despite facing significant challenges such as a lack of equipment and technology, as well as economic and technological blockades from Western countries [4][5]. Soviet Assistance and Industrial Development - Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Soviet Union provided assistance through loans and expertise, leading to the completion of 156 major construction projects during the First Five-Year Plan, which laid the foundation for China's industrial framework [5][6]. - The relationship with the Soviet Union was not without its challenges, as China had to repay debts and faced the withdrawal of Soviet support due to deteriorating relations [5]. Achievements in Economic Growth - Despite the initial focus on infrastructure, significant economic achievements were made from 1949 to 1978, with total agricultural and industrial output increasing from 46.6 billion yuan to 446.7 billion yuan, a nearly tenfold increase [12][14]. - Key indicators showed remarkable growth: steel production surged from 135,000 tons to 2.39 million tons, and electricity generation increased from 4.3 billion kWh to 195.8 billion kWh, reflecting a growth of over 45 times [12][14]. - The average annual growth rate of GDP during this period was 8.43%, with stable prices, indicating a solid economic foundation was being built [12][14]. Comparative International Performance - By 1978, the economic gap between China and the United States had narrowed from 28 times to 5.52 times, showcasing a significant reduction in disparity [10][12]. - China's agricultural growth rate averaged 4.0%, outperforming the United States, the Soviet Union, and Japan, while industrial growth averaged 12.5%, also exceeding the growth rates of these countries [14]. Conclusion on Economic Foundations - The article concludes that the early years of economic construction were crucial for establishing a solid foundation, which later facilitated rapid economic growth and development, contradicting any notion that these efforts were insignificant [10][14].

Core Insights - Despite a bleak macroeconomic backdrop, investor sentiment towards the Chinese market has improved, leading to increased allocation intentions, particularly in the technology and new consumption sectors [1] Group 1: Investor Consensus - Global diversification demand is driving an increase in interest for Chinese stock allocations, with global investors expressing a desire to increase exposure to the Chinese market [2] - The investability of the Chinese market is gradually improving, with a particular focus on new consumption themes and artificial intelligence [2] Group 2: Market Performance Discrepancies - The A-share market has significantly underperformed compared to the Hong Kong market and overseas Chinese stocks, with the CSI 300 index down 1.5% year-to-date, while the Hang Seng Index and MSCI China Index are up 19% and 16% respectively [4] - Three main factors contribute to the performance divergence between domestic and overseas markets: 1. More opportunities related to artificial intelligence and new consumption are concentrated in the Hong Kong market, with many high-quality A-share companies opting for dual listings in Hong Kong [4] 2. Significant differences in industry composition between the two markets, with high-quality, high ROE companies dominating the MSCI China Index [4] 3. Limited liquidity support from state-owned entities for the A-share market at current index levels [5] Group 3: Currency Outlook - Morgan Stanley has shifted its view on the RMB against the USD, predicting a mild appreciation of the RMB to 7.05 by the end of 2026, despite challenges such as higher tariffs [5] Group 4: Investor Concerns - Ongoing deflationary pressures are expected to deter investors, with predictions of continued deflation until at least 2027 [6] - Concerns regarding high valuations in the technology and new consumption sectors, suggesting a balanced approach to achieve excess returns while maintaining exposure to high dividend stocks for stable cash returns [6]

Group 1: Core Insights - The visit of President Xi Jinping to Russia signifies the deepening of pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia, showcasing resilience and complementarity despite external challenges [1][2] - The bilateral trade volume between China and Russia reached $244.8 billion in 2024, marking a 1.9% year-on-year increase, with China maintaining its position as Russia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years [2][4] - The strategic cooperation between the two nations is characterized by enhanced political trust, deepening strategic collaboration, and expanding cultural exchanges, reflecting their commitment to a multipolar world and a shared future [2][3] Group 2: Economic Cooperation - The pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia is showing strong momentum in emerging sectors such as technology innovation, automotive production, cross-border e-commerce, and medical equipment, indicating significant growth potential [4][5] - Traditional cooperation areas, including machinery manufacturing, heavy industry, aerospace, energy, and logistics, are expected to continue driving the strategic partnership forward [4][5] - New cooperation potentials are identified in complementary industrial sectors, with Russia excelling in raw materials and heavy machinery, while China leads in computer and precision equipment manufacturing [5][6] Group 3: Trade Dynamics - In the first three months of the year, the trade volume between China and Russia was $53.213 billion, reflecting a 6.6% year-on-year decline, although a significant increase of 16% was observed in March [6][7] - The decline in trade volume is attributed to seasonal factors and does not indicate a long-term trend, as both countries are committed to maintaining stable and predictable economic cooperation [6][7] - Despite challenges posed by external trade conflicts, the cooperation between China and Russia is expected to persist, with both nations aiming to establish a multipolar world [7][8]

Group 1 - Luoyang is the second largest city in Henan province but is classified as a third-tier city in China [1][8] - Historically, Luoyang and Xi'an have been significant cities, often serving as capitals for various dynasties, with Luoyang being strategically important for defense and military operations [3] - The establishment of the Grand Canal during the Sui Dynasty helped alleviate food shortages in Luoyang, which had a large population [3] Group 2 - The rise of Zhengzhou and the decline of Luoyang can be attributed to historical events, including the shift of the provincial capital and the development of railways that bypassed Luoyang [5][8] - By 1954, due to economic development and geographical advantages, Zhengzhou became the provincial capital, leading to Luoyang's status as a heavy industrial city [8] - Currently, Luoyang's economic output is about half that of Zhengzhou, yet it surpasses cities like Taiyuan and Lanzhou, indicating potential for future growth [8]