zhōng guó中国jīng jì经济huì bú huì会不会xiàng像guò qù过去de的rì běn日本？
According to official Chinese data, the economy grew by 4.6% in the first three quarters of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
However, some experts believe that China’s current problems are similar to those Japan faced in the 1990s: falling housing prices, a declining population, people’s reluctance to spend, and companies’ unwillingness to invest.
Many families are worried about the future, so they choose to save money and pay down debt.
As a result, it becomes more difficult to do business in the market.
Experts say that China’s economy has long focused on production and exports, but household consumption has been insufficient.
Exports grew rapidly in the first three quarters, while consumption grew more slowly and investment also declined.
If foreign countries reduce their purchases of Chinese goods, the economy may face a greater impact.
Experts suggest that the government could borrow money to support the economy. It should also increase household incomes and improve social security, such as medical care and pensions, so that people have both the money and the confidence to spend.
However, China already has a great deal of debt, so how much money to spend and how to spend it remain difficult questions.
In addition, some analysts also question whether the official economic data are completely accurate.