Prominent Chinese business analysts are starting to disappear from social media

Some analysts in China are facing restrictions on social media platforms, limiting their ability to comment on the country’s stock markets and economy. At least six prominent analysts are unable to upload new posts or gain new followers on popular social networking platforms. The move is seen as an attempt to prevent them from expressing their views on the state of the Chinese economy. Chinese social media has a history of silencing critics, and this latest development coincided with a conference hosted by President Xi Jinping to discuss economic targets and policies. The restrictions on analysts’ social media accounts come as Chinese policymakers grapple with deflation and a decline in foreign direct investment. The Chinese stock markets have been among the worst-performing markets this year. The restrictions on social media affect individuals such as Dan Bin, Liu Jipeng, Hong Rong, and Ge Long, who are well-known in the financial industry. Researchers and analysts have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the Chinese economy and how it may deter global investors. The move by the Chinese government to control the narrative on the economy is seen as a potential deterrent to foreign investment.