The Intelligence from The Economist

Baby bust: China’s census

May 12, 2021

Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, and Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent, delve into China's latest census revealing a looming baby bust. They discuss the impending economic challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates. Rabinovich highlights how migration patterns affect workforce dynamics, while Fullwood explores the rise of central bank digital currencies, or 'govcoins,' and their potential to reshape monetary policy and access to banking, alongside the risks they pose to the private banking sector.

21:50

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Episode guests

Simon Rabinovich

Alice Fulwood

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

China's Census Dilemma: A Closer Look

7min

Demographic Challenges: Understanding China's Baby Bust

2min

Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies

8min

Innovative Study Utilizes Roadkill to Uncover Hidden Wildlife

3min

Discovering New Species Amidst Traffic Hazards

3min

China just unveiled the results of its first census in over a decade. The results are striking, if not surprising: the world’s largest country will soon stop growing. Yet if a greying population causes economic headwinds, Chinese officials also have reason for cheer. With digital currencies in vogue, central banks want to get in on the action. The rise of “govcoins” could transform monetary policy and expand access to bank accounts. But it could also destabilise private banking. And roadkill isn’t just an unsightly nuisance. It also offers a way of counting elusive species.

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