1.) "just money coming in"
Outflows of foreign direct investment in China have exceeded inflows for the first time as tensions with the U.S. over semiconductor technology and concerns about increased anti-spying activity heighten risks. FDI came to minus $11.8 billion
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Foreign-investment-in-China-...
Moody’s Cuts China Credit Outlook to Negative on Growing Debt Risks
https://www.wsj.com/finance/moodys-cuts-chinas-credit-outloo...
2.) "the metro system has added over one hundred kilometers of track"
China’s Cities Are Buried in Debt, but They Keep Shoveling It On
China has long pursued growth by public spending, even after the payoff has faded. Cities stuck with the bill are still spending — and cutting essential services.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/business/china-local-fina...
China orders local governments to cut exposure to public-private projects as debt risks rise
https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/china-orders-local-gove...
3.) "we are not growing"
Shenzhen reports decrease in population
The southern boomtown of Shenzhen reported a slight population decrease for 2022 — a first since the city's founding in 1979.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/10/WS645b514ba310b605...