While China could offset American tariffs by letting its currency fall, that might endanger Beijing’s recent efforts to stabilize the economy.

From electric cars to solar panels, Mr. Musk has built businesses in high-tech manufacturing sectors now targeted by Beijing for Chinese dominance.

When the housing market was flying high, mortgage defaults were almost nonexistent. But now the legal system is struggling to keep up with evictions.

A brutal price war, sudden shifts in consumer demand and human rights issues in Xinjiang have left VW stumbling in a market it led for...

State-controlled companies now run an industry once known for its acid pits, radioactive waste and smugglers.

Already the dominant producer of rare minerals, Beijing is using export restrictions and its power over state-owned companies to further control access.

Falling prices, weak consumer spending and a housing market crash help to explain why the Chinese government is taking steps to stimulate the economy.

Assurances from government officials on plans to strengthen the private sector offset a lack of specifics about economic stimulus.

The finance minister said Beijing would sell bonds to supplement spending and help banks but did not detail how much.

Beijing’s action came days after European nations moved toward tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and it included a threat to also hit pork and...