What's happened
China faces economic and political challenges as key officials disappear and the economy slows.
Why it matters
The disappearance of key officials and the economic slowdown in China could have significant implications for the country's domestic and international affairs, as well as for global economic dynamics.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the disappearances of key officials and the impact on China's political landscape, while The Economist and The Times focus on the economic challenges facing China and its implications for global investors and international relations.
How we got here
The recent disappearances of senior Chinese officials have raised concerns about the stability of the country's leadership, while the economic slowdown and demographic challenges add to the complexity of the situation.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Li Shangfu is a Chinese aerospace engineer and general of the People's Liberation Army. Li is currently a State Councilor of the People's Republic of China and the Minister of National Defence since March 2023.