China Enters 'Japan-Style' Era of Frequent, Small-Scale Stimulus, ANZ Warns

China's economic playbook has fundamentally shifted, moving away from massive 'bazooka' stimulus to a new phase of frequent, smaller interventions—a strategy that mirrors Japan's prolonged battle with stagnation, according to a new analysis from ANZ Banking Group.

Richard Yetsenga, Chief Economist at ANZ, argued in a December 23rd note that China's future growth now depends less on fundamentals and more on the "frequency and vigor" of government stimulus. The shift comes as Beijing grapples with faltering domestic demand and severe overproduction in key industries. As evidence, Yetsenga points to the solar sector: Only two of the country's 10 largest solar panel manufacturers reported a profit in the first half of 2025.

This new approach signals that the days of expecting a single, powerful policy move to reignite broad-based growth are over. Instead, Beijing appears to be entering a "Japan-style frequent-stimulus phase," applying targeted support whenever the economy shows signs of faltering. This 'Japanification' suggests a potential future of slower growth and a persistent reliance on state intervention to avoid a hard landing.