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China's property giants struggle as Evergrande's fallout ripples through industry

China's Evergrande Group, known as the world's most heavily indebted property developer, has sought refuge in bankruptcy protection within the United States. This move is part of their strategy to reorganize their affairs and find common ground with their creditors. Previously a prominent force in China's property scene, Evergrande encountered a massive default of over $300 billion in debt during 2021, symbolizing the challenges within China's property market. 

Evergrande, alongside its affiliate Tianji Holdings, initiated a Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection filing in a New York court. This legal provision addresses insolvency cases that span multiple countries. This development is taking place amidst concerns that the problems in China's property industry could extend due to a slowdown in the second-largest global economy. Notably, since the property sector's financial crisis emerged in the middle of 2021, almost half of Chinese residential property sales have been linked to companies in default.

Investors are growing concerned about Country Garden, China's largest privately owned property developer, as the company has recently failed to meet certain interest payments. The company's statement about facing "significant uncertainties" regarding the repayment of corporate bonds is adding to these worries.

In a parallel scenario, Evergrande, which held a staggering $330 billion in liabilities, experienced a default late in 2021. This event acted as a catalyst for a series of defaults among other developers. This, in turn, led to numerous unfinished homes across China and raised doubts about ambitious overseas megaprojects.

Founded by Hui Ka Yan in 1996 in Guangzhou, Evergrande revealed a plan for its debt restructuring earlier this year. The company has indicated that creditors might be able to vote on the proposed restructuring this month, potentially gaining approval from courts in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands during the initial week of September. In a report from July, Evergrande disclosed a net loss exceeding $113 billion over the course of 2021 and 2022.

 

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