Xi Jinping, superimposed in front of the Great Hall of The People, is preparing for a protracted war with the U.S. on trade. (Nikkei Montage / AP and Reuters)

Xi sets key autumn meeting, but avoids economy to block criticism

Shift to stimulus and rate cuts proves debt reduction push was ill-timed

KATSUJI NAKAZAWA, Nikkei senior staff writer

September 5, 2019 12:09 JST

TOKYO -- This week, China made a volley of bombshell announcements during a four-day span as its trade war with the U.S. escalated.

On Friday night the Chinese Communist Party finally announced its long-delayed fourth plenary session of the Central Committee, a key platform to set the direction for the nation's midterm economic policies. The session will take place in October.