In this issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we break down China’s most recent economic and demographic data, and looks ahead to what 2024 might hold for the world’s second-largest economy.

Guangdong would ‘pace up construction’ of China’s Greater Bay Area plan in 2024, having set an economic growth target of 5 per cent, governor Wang Weizhong said on Tuesday.

Insider says talks between Beijing’s top man in Hong Kong and Guangdong officials produce push for stronger connections along lines of infrastructure, rules and regulations.

Government insider says resumption of scheme possible before Lunar New Year, but final decision has yet to be made.

Newsom arrives in Beijing, where he meets Xi and holds talks with top diplomat Wang Yi as part of controversial climate tour.

Looking to add to existing tourism and agricultural ties, Thailand is keen to explore the idea of joining hands with China in tapping new energy and digital markets in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong and Guangdong are deepening cooperation to enhance high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area. The two sides have announced a slew of business and trade activities to drive growth.

Technology and collaboration are crucial factors to help Macau diversify its economic base, say its chief executive Ho Iat-seng, Guangdong governor Wang Weizhong, Alibaba’s Joe Tsai and commentator Andrew Sheng.

City leader John Lee also points to ‘harmonious atmosphere’ between Hong Kong officials and legislators throughout four-day visit to Greater Bay Area.

Agreements cover innovation and technology, finance, labour, smart cities, and regulation of pharmaceutical and medical devices.

John Lee led a government delegation to Guangzhou and Shenzhen and said he would head to Macau next week followed by visits to other bay area cities.

Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces both predict their economic growths will be ‘above 5 per cent’ this year after falling well short of last year’s GDP targets amid China’s restrictive zero-Covid policy.

City officials in Guangzhou have promised to ‘minimise’ public inconvenience with less mass testing and shorter lockdowns.

Chief executive speaks at opening of new PolyU entrance and emphasises cultivation of generation that loves “country and Hong Kong’.

Li Keqiang heads to Shenzhen on apparent fact-finding mission amid signs of economic cooling.

Source says first cabinet meeting mainly discussed matters such as political principles and governing style.

Director of liaison office in city says president’s point on no change to governing policy has injected ‘self-confidence’ into society

Covid-19 prevention measures also increased despite small number of community infections.

Severe storm warnings across Guangdong, while Hong Kong forecasters warn of more rain and squally thunderstorms in the next two days.

Guangdong reshuffle a case study in growing practice of appointing hand-picked outsiders to key provincial roles.

The Shenzhen role is ‘very important’ and often seen as a stepping stone to provincial and national leadership, observer notes.

Posts on mainland social media note that while residents in Shenzhen and Dongguan are locked down for testing, Hongkongers are out shopping and hitting the beach.

City’s Communist Party chief says authorities will closely monitor all points of entry.

Guangdong Communist Party chief urges cadres to strengthen innovation and education ties with Hong Kong and Macau.

Southern manufacturing hub not only remains China’s largest regional economy, it would likely rank among the top 10 global economies if it were a country.

Relatively modest aim of 5.5 per cent is lower than the province’s growth last year, but in line with national average.

Designers involved with cross-border project have waited a year to be reimbursed by the government, sources say.

Promotion is expected to pave the way for Wang Weizhong, 59, to become a full member of the policymaking Central Committee.