Economist Podcasts Many hands light of work: China’s 170m migrant workers
Feb 19, 2020
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on how strict COVID-19 controls are trapping millions of migrant workers in China, draining their savings and impacting rural economies. The struggles of these workers are contrasted with Boeing's downturn in its defense sector, revealing the complexities of post-737 MAX recovery. Henry Tricks adds a quirky twist by discussing the surprising correlation between politicians' heights and electoral success, demonstrating how societal biases can affect political landscapes.
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Village Life Under COVID
- David Rennie visited a Sichuan village, 1700km from Beijing, with few COVID cases.
- A couple there could only shop every three days and relied on foraged food and bartered eggs.
Migrant Workers Impacted
- 173 million Chinese migrant workers are impacted by travel restrictions and business closures.
- Office buildings, restaurants, and construction sites remain closed, leaving many unemployed.
Enforcing Restrictions
- Grassroots Communist Party members enforce restrictions, sometimes with excessive force.
- A viral video showed party members entering a home and destroying a mahjong table.