China work report pledges to tackle local debt, without specifics

Annual document avoids contentious proposal to raise retirement age

20240306N China stalled construction

Construction of this apartment complex in northern China's Shanxi province stalled two years ago after the developer's funds dried up. (Photo by Iori Kawate) 

IORI KAWATE, Nikkei staff writer

BEIJING -- China said it will consider "new reforms for the fiscal and tax systems" as it looks to support local authorities struggling with shrinking incomes and heavy debt, but provided no details in its latest government work report.

Local governments in China sell usage rights for state-owned land to developers and use the proceeds for infrastructure and other purposes. But as China's real estate market slumped, so did land-use revenue, plummeting 33% between 2021 and 2023.

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