A Crisis With Chinese Characteristics By Marc Chandler About this article: Many astute observers have suggested that the Chinese economy, which moved ahead of Germany last year as the third-largest economy behind the U.S. and Japan, is relatively more insulated from the global slowdown than other industrialized nations. This optimism is based on structural factors, such as its locus in the industrialized process, the command features of its capitalist economy with Chinese characteristics and its vast resources. In "The End of 'Chimerica'" in the September 2008 issue of Standpoint, historian Niall Ferguson wrote, "By contrast to the U.S., China's planned economy seems unlikely to be significantly affected by the slowdown because net exports are no longer the key driver of China's growth. The only true constraint on China's planned economy... is environmental." This seems too Pollyannaish by half. While many economists question the accuracy of official data, even the Chinese government's estimates show a marked slowdown... Or, call us at 1-866-321-TSCM (8726) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET. Outside the U.S. and in Canada, call 1-212-321-5200. More Stories From RealMoney Durable Goods Up Move Down the Tech Food Chain Jobless Claims Still High Bulls' Tenacity Is the Big Question Mark Should You Buy It? Pharmaceutical Product Development Bad News Trumps All Support for Banks Holds, For Now Bummer, Yields Are on the Rise Money on the Line Makes a Big Difference Structured Products: Unsafe at Any Price MORE STORIES FROM REALMONEY

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