Stem the slide before it takes shape

Economy | Ed Zhang

More sharply than ever, opinions are divided among Chinese economists as to how much growth China should strive for in the next year. Some are saying China's GDP growth rate can still be lower than this year's target of 7.5 percent. Others are saying a further slowdown could be dangerous and at the very least, the government should not deliberately use policies to seek slower growth.

From the pro-slowdown camp, several research papers are suggesting that Beijing should not fear even lower GDP growth rate than this year's target of 7.5 percent - so long as it can launch more reforms and cut down on more waste.