Dreary Economic Data Suggests Struggles Ahead for China
Voice of America
FILE - A recruiter talks with an applicant at a booth at a job fair at a shopping center in Beijing, on June 9, 2023. High youth unemployment is one sign that China's economy is still struggling. Premier of China Li Qiang addresses attendees of the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 16, 2024. FILE - A vendor sits outside his store selling souvenirs in Xiamen in southeast China's Fujian province on Dec. 27, 2023.
A flurry of economic indicators released by the Chinese government on Wednesday paints a picture of an economy that is still struggling to find its footing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, even though it exceeded the modest growth target set by the central government.
FILE - In this photo provided by Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters, balloons with trash presumably sent by North Korea hang on electric wires as South Korean army soldiers stand guard in Muju, South Korea, May 29, 2024. This photo provided by Incheon Fire Headquarters shows balloons with trash presumably sent by North Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, June 2, 2024.
FILE - A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 20th edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, May 31, 2024 FILE - Members of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces stand guard as they take part in the 20th edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, May 31, 2024. FILE - Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major Gen. Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, Morocco, May 31, 2024. FILE - Members of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces take part in the 20th edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, May 31, 2024. FILE - F16 fighter jets perform a maneuver as part of the African Lion military exercise, over Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, May 31, 2024.
People march during a rally in support of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his party in Budapest, Hungary, June 1, 2024. Orbán with 14 years in power is the European Union's longest serving leader. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addresses people as they gather to support him and his party during a 'peace march' in Budapest, Hungary, June 1, 2024. People march during a rally in support of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his party in Budapest, Hungary, June 1, 2024.
FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2015, photo, Myanmar's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, right, delivers a speech as close ally Tin Oo waves in Yangon, Myanmar. Tin Oo died June 1, 2024, at the age of 97. FILE - Tin Oo, co-founder of the National League for Democracy party, points out other party members at a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the NLD, in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sept. 27, 2013.
Polling officials check and seal an electronic voting machine before they allow voters to cast their votes at a polling station during the last round of a six-week-long national election near Dharamshala, India, June 1, 2024. Nuns of the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa, stand in queue to cast their votes during the last round of a six-week-long national election, in Kolkata, India, June 1, 2024.
A North Korean military guard post, top, and South Korean post, bottom, are seen from Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, May 31, 2024. A TV screen shows a report of North Korea's multiple rocket launchers during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 31, 2024.