China is a far richer nation than it was 40 years ago, when it began to integrate with the global economy. However, income disparity has also widened, which is a concern to the Chinese Communist Party, especially as it seems to be an affront to its socialist principles. Xi Jinping has begun a campaign to narrow the gap between rich and poor and create what he calls “material and spiritual wealth”. The campaign has a slogan: “common prosperity”. In this podcast, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University in California considers the implications, both for businesses and for China’s poorest citizens. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 55
Broadcast date: 8th March, 2022