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BEIJING — China’s worst heat wave in six decades is deepening the economic pain of pandemic lockdowns, with authorities ordering factories this week to suspend production in several major manufacturing regions to conserve electricity.
Sichuan province, home to more than 80 million people, announced Monday that factories in 19 cities and prefectures would halt operations until Saturday to reserve electricity for “use by the people.” Other areas across China’s south have also ordered electricity to be prioritized to run air-conditioners.
The factory suspensions reflect how climate change is intensifying China’s economic challenges. Officials have warned that the country is likely to miss its 5.5 percent growth target for the year, as coronavirus lockdowns disrupt trade and normal life.
China’s economic growth slows to 0.4%
On Tuesday, Jin Xiandong, a spokesman for the National…
