Economic Struggles and Global Tensions in China

This chapter details the financial hardships of ordinary Chinese citizens, particularly a single mother navigating economic instability and parenting pressures within a challenging educational landscape. It discusses the broader implications for China's economy amid shifting demographics and rising youth unemployment, while also analyzing the strained relationship between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden against the backdrop of U.S.-China competition. The chapter highlights the challenges faced by China's leadership in fostering innovation within an authoritarian system that struggles to meet its populace's immediate needs.