There are signs that the annual Central Economic Work Conference may be about to start. I do not expect any surprises from the CEWC but the readouts and follow-on commentaries may give us more detail on what to expect for the 2021 policies and the 14th Five Year plan.

Today’s Essential Eight items:

1. He Yiting on China’s development environment

2. Australia-China

3. Chengdu mini-outbreak

4. Hong Kong

5. US-China

6. Did Huawei and Megvii develop a “Uighur alarm”?

7. Guo Shuqing signals more pressure on Ant and Big Tech

8. Mt Everest/Qomolangma adds two feet

Thanks for reading.