China’s equity markets have kicked off 2026 with a bang, with the Shanghai Composite Index climbing to a 10-year high. The rally builds on strong momentum from last year, when an AI-driven surge pushed the A-share market to its best annual performance in six years. As major global investment banks turn increasingly bullish on Chinese equities, we ask a key question: what is driving this market surge? What’s the situation of China’s economy at the start of 2026?

Host Zhao Yang talked with Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University;Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation;Qu Qiang, professor from Minzu University of China.