The Intelligence from The Economist Many hands light of work: China’s 170m migrant workers
Feb 19, 2020
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shines a light on the struggles of China's 170 million migrant workers amid strict COVID-19 controls. He shares poignant stories of workers trapped in villages, depleting their savings while facing uncertainty about their future. The discussion reveals the resilience of this community and analyzes the role of local authorities. Additionally, the conversation touches briefly on Boeing's challenges and the surprising influence of candidates' heights in political elections.
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Village Life Under COVID-19
- David Rennie visited a Sichuan village with few COVID-19 cases.
- One couple there could only shop every three days and bartered for necessities.
Migrant Worker Crisis
- China has 173 million migrant workers, many unable to return to work due to travel restrictions and closures.
- Beijing office buildings, restaurants, and construction sites remain closed, impacting millions.
Rule Enforcement
- Grassroots Communist Party members enforce rules, sometimes with excessive force.
- Instances of destroying mahjong tables during suspected gatherings have surfaced online.