TRADE: Deflation threat returns to haunt Chinese economy as risks from US trade war linger. “A fall in both consumer and producer price indexes was a result of weakness in demand from both Chinese consumers and investors and reflected their reluctance to spend as confidence in future growth is undermined by the trade war with the US. The figures add the challenge faced by the Chinese leadership in keeping economic growth on track ahead of the annual central economic work conference, where policies for next year will be determined.”

All this is happening as President Xi has set himself up as the one-man solution to China’s prosperity and security.