Hello and welcome to the 30th issue of Beijing Review.

(Cover Design: Wang Yajuan)

Meeting Expectations looks at China’s economic data for the first half of 2019. GDP growth, although slowing, is well within the annual target range. Despite the global economic slowdown, the economy suggests it still has a sound foundation and consumption, export and investment all maintained steady growth. 

From EU to Europe of Nations? analyzes the recent European Parliament election results and the new trends it revealed. Electing the leader of the largest party group as president of the European Commission is no longer the certain way, with the rise of more conditional coalitions and the promotion of European integration could happen in the next few years. 

Presenting History looks at the 5,000-year-old city of Liangzhu that was just declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A new Palace Museum exhibit of artifacts from the ancient city show priceless jade heirlooms that fill the gaps in China’s history and backs up that China has an unbroken 5,000-year-old cultural tradition.