Commentary How will China’s economy perform in 2022? Under the current economic outlook, that question weighs heavily on the minds of China’s leadership. One short answer is, “It depends on who you ask.” But a much more honest one would be, “Much less than Beijing needs.” Beijing Managing Expectations Of course, if you ask the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the answer will be aspirational. That’s because, as the official Party line goes, only the CCP can guide the nation into a bright and prosperous future. Without a thriving economy, the CCP has no legitimate authority—and everybody knows it. Hence, it’s no surprise that Beijing will always put the economic reporting in the best light possible–even if it’s not completely plausible to do so. To that end, the official estimate for expected growth this is year is in the 5.5 to 6 percent range. But as mediocre as it is by …