Leaders | China’s other debt problem

Evergrande is not the only looming danger in China’s financial system

Crony capitalism has flourished among the country’s small and mid-tier banks

SCARES ABOUT toxic debt are an ever-present feature of China’s economy. The latest involves Evergrande, a troubled developer that threatens to cripple the property sector. The firm also has tentacles that reach into the darkest corners of the Chinese financial system, wrapping around banks and shadow lenders. Yet even as Evergrande catches the eye, another risk is emerging: crony capitalism at smaller banks.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “China’s other debt problem”

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