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)

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.

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.

Isabel Hilton, an international journalist and founder of China Dialogue, joins Vincent McAviney, a political commentator, and General Chris Bardia, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander. They tackle how global alliances are shifting in the wake of Ukraine and the U.S. reshaping their relations. The guests delve into the concept of soft power, share a humorous take on men’s romantic tendencies, and discuss an intriguing initiative promoting laughter as a remedy for mental health issues. Insights on European defense strategies add a serious note to the lively conversation.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and expert on China, and Petri Bertsoff, Monocle's Helsinki correspondent, dive into pressing global issues. They discuss China’s new tariffs on US goods, underlining the escalating trade tensions. Hilton illuminates Africa’s burgeoning digital economy as a ripe investment opportunity. Bertsoff highlights the culturally rich impact of the Moomins and shares insights on the intriguing civil trial involving the Vatican's 'Romeo and Juliet,' blending geopolitics with captivating narratives.

Isabel Hilton, a visiting professor and founder of China Dialogue, joins political journalist Theo Usherwood to dive into pressing global issues. They discuss the implications of Ukraine's nuclear strikes in the ongoing war and explore the fierce AI competition between China and the West. The conversation highlights the technological arms race, raising concerns about potential dominance and investment in emerging technologies. Additionally, they touch on the evolving media landscape in the U.S. post-Trump and its impact on public trust.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, discusses China’s strategic ties with Africa amid growing influence on the continent. Rainbow Murray, a political expert, analyzes the rise of Austria’s Freedom Party and the challenges for centrist parties in Europe. Gabriel Gavin sheds light on the humanitarian crisis in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, urging international awareness. They also reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack, exploring evolving attitudes toward satire and the complexities of free speech today.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and a prominent voice in environmental discourse, joins Oscar Guardiola-Rivera, an international law professor, to discuss the implications of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Gaza. They explore the ceasefire's potential to reshape regional stability and delve into Brazil's political challenges amid coup allegations. The conversation also touches on Donald Trump's trade threats against China, while humorously questioning whether singing in cinemas should be a thing. A lively and engaging commentary on critical issues!

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.