Research Paper

Energy Strategy Insights - The Future of China

Author	Ichiro Kutani
Summary	On July 15, China’s National Bureau of Statistics released GDP figures for the second quarter of 2026 (April–June). According to the report, real GDP growth was +4.3% year-on-year, marking a slowdown from the ...
Outline	China’s real GDP growth rate for the second quarter of 2026 was +4.3% year-on-year, marking a slowdown from the first quarter. While this growth rate still leaves room for achieving the government’s target (+4.5–5.0% per year), per capita GDP remains at a level comparable to that of Japan in the late 1960s, suggesting significant domestic income disparities. Population decline has already begun, and the phenomenon of “aging before getting rich” is becoming a reality. If low growth persists, it could put downward pressure on China’s demand for fossil fuels in particular, potentially leading to a softening of international prices. On the other hand, increased reliance on external demand could lead to the further global penetration of Chinese products. It is necessary to closely monitor the trajectory of the Chinese economy, which has a significant impact on international markets.
Keyword	insights, China, GDP per capita, population, fossil fuel, Chinese products
Media	ＨＰ (7/21/2026)
URL	https://test-eneken.mvmt.jp/en/energy_strategy_insights.html
Report PDF	https://test-eneken.mvmt.jp/data/13400.pdf