China Eyes Wealth Redistribution in Push for ‘Common Prosperity’
- High-profile meeting sets out vision for achieving goal
- Economists see possibility of property, inheritance taxes
Xi Jinping
Photographer: Li Xueren/Xinhua/Getty Images
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President Xi Jinping put China’s wealthiest citizens on notice Tuesday, offering an outline for “common prosperity” that includes income regulation and redistribution, according to state media reports.
Since Xi took office in 2012, the ruling party has made it a priority to end poverty and build a moderately prosperous society, goals that the party sees as central to promoting well-being and strengthening its governance. Income inequality in the country is wide -- the richest 20% earn more than 10 times poorest 20% -- and hasn’t budged since 2015.