China's population is shrinking. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that it has fallen by about three million in two years. This puts pressure on the economy, as the number of people in work is also in decline, at the time as the group of retired and elderly people is increasing. One hope is that 2024 will see a bump in births, as it is the year of the dragon in Chinese astrology, a symbol of good fortune. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting considers China’s demographic dilemma during a discussion with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.

Ep146: What dangers lurk in the year of the dragon?

China In Context is a weekly podcast which offers expert analysis on politics, culture and international relations. It features interviews with leading academics and associates at the SOAS China Institute, University of London. The podcast is hosted by the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett.