China economy shot for Barron's

Beijing's decision to hold back on implementing substantial fiscal stimulus similar to previous economic downturns has left investors feeling disillusioned. However, policymakers find themselves constrained by the escalating debt burdens, a diminishing and aging population, and the increasing efforts of foreign enterprises to decrease their dependence on China.

China's huge demand for things like iron ore and oil made producers rich. The fast-growing economy led to millions of middle-class Chinese people spending on new services, like travel, insurance, and property management.

The business community is feeling cautious and uneasy due to the potential crackdown on the private sector under Xi Jinping. Sean Taylor from Matthews Asia notes that entrepreneurs have become less enthusiastic about start-ups. After the initial hope and optimism brought on by the pandemic, businesses are now hesitant and adjusting their expectations and strategies in response to the challenging economic environment.

The Chinese solar panel industry faces challenges from overcapacity, leading to price drops and financial concerns for firms. Beijing's renewable energy mandate has driven industry growth, but rapid expansion may lead to bankruptcies or acquisitions. This situation poses risks for China and international competitors, with up to 70% of solar firms facing financial turmoil. These complexities highlight the need for close monitoring and adaptation as the industry evolves.

"Dragon Baby" photographed for Helsingin Sanomat

As the birth rate in China continues to decline, there is growing speculation that the symbolic "Year of the Dragon" could potentially have a reversing effect. Referred to as "Drago Babies," the cultural connotations associated with this auspicious zodiac sign may serve as a powerful motivator for individuals aspiring to start families, potentially impacting the prevailing demographic trend.

I was asked to. photograph Hua Ying, 30 years old, whose decided to have a “Dragon Baby” in Wenzhou, near Shanghai for the Helsingin Sanomat

Tibetan Horse Race photographed in Yushu earlier last month

Earlier last month I have traveled to Yushu, in Qinghai to photograph the Tibetan Horse Race, here some outtakes.

Hong Kong scene

Earlier this month I spent some days in Hong Kong, here some images I photographed of one of my favorite place in Asia:

Docking and maintenance of Busan and Venetia vessels for Peter Dohle in Shanghai and Zhoushan port

Earlier last May, I had the privilege of working with Peter Dohler, a renowned German seaborne shipping company, on an exciting photography project. They commissioned me to capture images of two of their remarkable vessels, named Busan and Venetia. Here some photograph taken between Shanghai Port and Zhoushan Port.



Shanghai general view for Bloomberg

Some images of general view of Shanghai photographed for Bloomberg

A man flies a dragon shaped kite along the bund in front of buildings in Pudong's Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China

Yang Baijiu Brewery workshop shot for AFP

Baijiu brewery site photographed in Suqian, Jiangsu province.

Baijiu, the typical Chinese spirit that usually distilled from fermented sorghum, has been consume for thousands of year in China.

Tea picking in Jiangsu province, China

Some photos for a recent trip in Jiangsu province, near Shanghai, where I have photographed tea culture and tea picking.