Xi Jinping has called for the introduction of “forceful” interest rate cuts as the Chinese president battles to kickstart the stuttering economy. In a rare admission from China’s leadership, officials said the world’s second-largest economy was facing fresh turmoil as they vowed to inject greater levels of fiscal stimulus.

China's top economist, Zhu Hengpeng, criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping in a private chat. At first, he was detained and removed from office, and then he disappeared, according to The Wall Street Journal.