Japanese firms in China are becoming more pessimistic about the world’s second-biggest economy, with about two-thirds saying it’s getting worse and almost half scaling back or halting their investments there.
About 64% of Japanese companies said the Chinese economy is faring worse than last year, according to the latest survey from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China. This is up from 60% in the previous report, and comes as security concerns and the recent stabbing death of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen loom over efforts to improve diplomatic ties.
Japanese firms are heavily invested in China, which remains Tokyo’s largest trading partner. But many companies have been pulling back due to rising geopolitical tensions, deteriorating bilateral ties and stiff competition from Chinese firms. Meanwhile, Beijing is facing a slowing economy and has introduced stimulus measures since late September in an attempt to boost growth. Despite these efforts, foreign investment continues to decline.
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