China has posted a robust start in foreign trade, with exports surging more than 21% and imports nearly 20% in the first two months of the year, far exceeding expectations. These figures come as China’s consumption recorded its biggest jump in more than three years. The latest numbers arrive just as China wrapped up its annual Two Sessions in Beijing, approving this year’s government work report, a new five-year plan, and a series of laws on environmental protection, ethnic unity, and national development planning. So what do these figures tell us about the Chinese economy as the country targets growth of around 4.5 to 5%? Which policy priorities are likely to shape China’s economy and society in the coming years? And what do these policies mean for improving the lives of the Chinese people?

Guest in this edition of Dialogue are Prof. Qian Jun, executive dean of the International School of Finance at Fudan University; Warwick Powell, adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology; and Wang Dan, China director of Eurasia Group.