2025: A year China struggled on all fronts—economy, politics and regional pushback

China faced major challenges in 2025, including a deepening real estate crisis, demographic decline, and increased regional pushback in Southeast Asia. Beijing intensified AI governance with stricter digital controls, while the Communist Party's Fourth Plenum focused on redefining economic strategies amid mounting pressures. Despite efforts to stabilize the economy and maintain influence, 2025 marked a year of contrasts, raising questions about China's future trajectory.