China's Demographic Dilemma

China's Demographic Dilemma

From Pekingology by Center for Strategic and International Studies

November 25, 2025 · 46 min

About this episode

This episode explores the implications of China's rapidly aging population on various aspects of society.

In this episode of Pekingology, CSIS Senior Fellow Henrietta Levin is joined by Philip O’Keefe, Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research and one of the world's leading experts on demographic trends in China and across Asia. They unpack the rapid aging of Chinese society, exploring the impact of a shrinking population on China's politics, economy, and innovation ecosystem, as well as its trade imbalances and Beijing's global ambitions.

People in this episode

Host: Henrietta Levin

Guest: Philip O’Keefe

Topics covered

  • demographics
  • aging population
  • China's economy
  • politics
  • innovation
  • trade imbalances
  • global ambitions

Keywords

  • demographic trends
  • population aging
  • China
  • economy
  • politics
  • innovation
  • trade

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of New South Wales Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research

Places: China, Asia, Beijing

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