Isabel Hilton

Last year China's population fell for the first time in 60 years with the national birth rate hitting a record low. China's birth rate has in fact been declining for years but an older population will pose a real challenge for China economically, politically and strategically. So, what will the consequences be for China and the rest of the world if this vast economy - the second largest in the world – of a waning workforce and an ageing population? The ruling Communist Party is introducing a range of policies to try to encourage couples to have more babies. But it was only seven years ago that the Chinese government scrapped the controversial one-child policy, replacing it with the two-child policy in 2016 and the three-child policy in 2021. The government is also offering tax breaks and better maternal healthcare, among other incentives, in an effort to reverse, or at least slow, the falling birth rate. Nothing so far has worked. So how concerning is population decline for China and the rest of the world? How much of an issue is gender inequality and the cost of raising a child? What will an older, frailer population do to the Chinese economy? And, as climate change intensifies, is population decline really a problem? Chris Morris is joined by: Yun Zhou - a social demographer, family sociologist and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. Isabel Hilton – a journalist and founder of the bilingual website China Dialogue - an organisation dedicated to promoting a common understanding of China’s environmental challenges. Yasheng Huang - professor of global economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of the forthcoming book on China, The Rise and the Fall of the EAST. Also featuring: Victor Gao - Vice President of the Beijing-based Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank with links to the Chinese Communist Party.Producer: Pandita Lorenz and Ellen Otzen(Photo: China's Sichuan province shifts birth control policies, Shanghai, 31 Jan 2023. Credit: Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)

Isabel Hilton, an expert on geopolitics and climate change, teams up with David Bodanis, a historian and leadership commentator, to discuss Italy's upcoming citizenship referendum and its implications for immigration and economic support. Ed Stocker, reporting from Milan, highlights Italy's low voter turnout and governmental indifference, while Lars Bevanger shares insights on Norway’s football revival after a thrilling match against Italy and the quirky sport of 'death diving.' Politics, culture, and international relations are engagingly unpacked throughout the conversation.

Isabel Hilton, an international journalist and founder of China Dialogue, explores Angola's controversial proposal to impose severe prison sentences on fake news, highlighting the implications for press freedom. Yossi Meckleberg discusses the complex international diplomacy surrounding Hamas and trade tensions. Richard Susskind shares insights from his book on AI, stressing the transformative impacts on the legal sector and the importance of ethical governance as technology evolves. They all weave a narrative of caution amid rapid global changes.

Tom Miller, a senior analyst at Gavekal Research, Isabel Hilton, a veteran international reporter and founder of China Dialogue, and Austin Williams, an architect and academic, dive into China's current challenges. They discuss the economic slowdown, youth unemployment, and perceptions of decline. The panel explores urbanization, advancements in technology, and the Belt and Road Initiative's evolution. They also touch on issues of national identity, surveillance, and the balance of optimism amid political changes, providing a nuanced view of China's future.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, and Nick Gowing, distinguished fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, join the discussion to unravel the complexities of transatlantic relations as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Washington. They dive into the evolving defense dynamics of Germany and its implications for global politics. The conversation also touches upon the legacy of Tiananmen Square and its impact on U.S.-China relations, revealing challenges in historical memory and contemporary geopolitics.

Isabel Hilton, the founder of China Dialogue, and Quentin Peel, a regular contributor, dive into China's surprising military exercises around Taiwan and the implications for global security. They discuss the European Union's efforts to bolster its defense posture in response to foreign threats. The conversation shifts to major companies like LG and Samsung cautiously re-entering the Russian market. Additionally, they celebrate The Beatles' enduring legacy at CinemaCon and look ahead to the exciting Watches and Wonders event.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of Dialogue Earth, and Neeraj Singh Manhas, an expert on transboundary rivers, dissect the implications of China's massive new dam project in Tibet. They explain how the Yarlung Tsangpo river's management could fuel tensions between India, Bangladesh, and China. The hidden costs of such projects are explored, revealing concerns over ecological damage and human displacement. They also emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic frameworks to address these complex water politics.

In this discussion, Isabel Hilton, journalist and founder of Dialogue Earth, joins Neeraj Singh Manhas, an expert on transboundary rivers, to unpack the implications of China's new mega-dam in Medog County. They dive into the geopolitical tensions this project raises for India and Bangladesh, focusing on shared water resources. The conversation highlights ecological concerns and the urgent need for cooperative water management in light of climate challenges. Their insights shed light on the delicate balance of power in Asia's water politics.

Join Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, and Christopher Weiss, publisher of the Danish Architectural Press, as they dive into captivating discussions. Isabel shares insights on the implications of Trump's cabinet picks and the chaotic American political landscape. Christopher highlights the creation of the 'Most Beautiful Book in the World', exploring the charm of physical books in a digital age. They also touch upon the rising interest in Japanese literature among British readers and the quirky acquisition of Infowars by satirical outlet The Onion.

In this lively discussion, guests Tom Miller, an analyst at Gavekal Research, Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, and architect Austin Williams tackle hot-button issues surrounding China's recent economic downturn. They explore whether the slowdown reveals true decline or merely a western bias. The panel also dives into China's changing cultural landscape under strict governance, the implications of its aging population, and a shift in the Belt and Road Initiative towards sustainability, all while questioning what it means for the nation's future.