Private Chinese Companies Worry Beijing Is More Focused on Big State-Owned Firms

Private Chinese Companies Worry Beijing Is More Focused on Big State-Owned Firms
The cityscape of the Beijing Central Business District, or Beijing CBD, is reflected in a pond during sunset on Oct. 17, 2018. Thomas Peter/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

BEIJING—An unprecedented convergence of economic stresses this year is weighing on China’s once vibrant private sector, compelling some entrepreneurs to question the effectiveness—and true intent—of Beijing’s policies.

Some of the millions of struggling private firms are worried that Beijing is more focused on supporting giant state-owned enterprises (SOEs), even as China celebrates the 40th anniversary of landmark economic reforms that rekindled entrepreneurship in the communist country.