China has a baby problem

Political scientist Michael Beckley explains why China’s worsening demographic crisis might undermine fears of its inevitable rise as a global superpower.

Full episode

As U.S.-China tensions grow, there's increasing talk in American media and policy circles about China’s rise as an unstoppable global superpower. But beneath the surface, China is facing a deep and accelerating demographic crisis — with long-term consequences for its economic and geopolitical ambitions.

In this clip, we look at China’s falling birthrate, the lasting effects of the one-child policy, and the massive imbalance between working-age adults and a rapidly growing elderly population. We also explore why these demographic challenges may limit China’s ability to project power in the decades ahead — and why U.S. policymakers should take that into account before escalating conflict.

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