Economics

China Debates Slashing Economic Growth Target Amid Virus Reality

  • Some economists argue for lowering or abandoning GDP target
  • Other analysts see need to stick to previous path of about 6%

Pedestrians wear protective face masks in a shopping area in Beijing on April 4.

Photographer: Giulia Marchi/Bloomberg
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The coronavirus shock has influential Chinese economists and officials engaging in a previously unimaginable debate: should Beijing drastically reduce its economic growth target or even abandon it altogether?