State of the World from NPR

China’s Split-Screen Economy

Nov 25, 2025
Emily Feng, NPR's foreign correspondent reporting on China, brings her insights on the country's dual economies. She highlights the booming tech sector at a Beijing conference, while revealing the struggles of the average worker amidst overcapacity and job insecurity. The discussion includes China's new five-year plan for tech independence and the need to transition from outdated growth models. Feng points out the stark contrasts in innovation's benefits for some and challenges for many, framing this as a risky yet necessary path for future prosperity.
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ANECDOTE

Tech Conference Snapshots

  • At a Beijing tech conference, startups showcased AI repairing Tibetan art and a chatbot for retirees.
  • Entrepreneurs narrated fast growth and excitement driven by Beijing's tech-priority signals.
INSIGHT

Two-Track Chinese Economy

  • China's economy runs on two tracks: booming tech versus struggling traditional sectors.
  • That divergence explains why national growth can coexist with weak job prospects and falling local tax revenue.
INSIGHT

Labor Market Strain And Deflation

  • Youth unemployment is acute, with nearly one in five aged 16–24 unable to find work.
  • Simultaneous wage stagnation, investment slump, and deflation compound social and economic strain.
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