China marks 75 years of progress as economic challenges threaten stability

China is celebrating its 75th anniversary amid significant economic challenges. The country, once a global trade powerhouse, is now facing a downturn due to a trade war with the U.S. and strict regulations on key industries. Empty shipping containers, once symbols of growth, now sit idle at ports. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is experiencing its most serious political and economic turmoil since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Despite recent stimulus measures, including interest rate cuts and increased lending, consumer confidence remains low, and many local governments are struggling financially. Corruption and a growing divide between the elite and the public are further complicating the CCP's legitimacy. Youth unemployment is high, and the younger generation shows less interest in traditional investments like property. Xi Jinping faces mounting pressure to address these issues while maintaining the party's grip on power.