In short
Trailer for The Economist podcast “Drum Tower,” framing modern China’s rise and the social changes behind it.
Guest backgrounds
Sarah Wu, The Economist China correspondent in Beijing; previously based in Taipei and Hong Kong. Jeremy Page, chief China correspondent; previously based in Beijing for 15 years, now in Taipei.
Key claims
China is more influential than ever, with its economy driving global growth and its technology shaping industries; under Xi Jinping, China is challenging the world order. Yet China faces slowing growth, an aging population, and widening inequality.
Notable examples
the episode’s opening scene in Yi Hong’s flying taxi approaching the Dalai Lama’s temple in a narrow street; planned coverage from party agenda and AI advances to great-power rivalries and popular culture.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOMeet the Hosts of Drum Tower
0:30 to 1:08
Get introduced to the hosts and their backgrounds as they explore China's story.
“So join us as we follow every beat of this story on Drum Tower from The Economist.”
Exploring China's Complexities
1:08 to 1:50
Discover what topics Drum Tower will cover regarding China's culture and global role.
“we'll take you beyond the headlines to explore how China is reshaping itself and the world.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01Jeremy Page:China is more influential today than at any point in modern history.
0:05Jiehao Chen:Its economy drives global growth, its technology shapes industries everywhere, and under Xi Jinping, an increasingly confident China is challenging the established world order.
0:16Jeremy Page:But behind that rise lies a country in the throes of social change, with a slowing economy, an aging population, and widening inequality.
0:26Jiehao Chen:Understanding the rhythms of life in China has never been as important. So join us as we follow every beat of this story on Drum Tower from The Economist.
0:38Jeremy Page:I am currently sitting in Yi Hong's flying taxi, which is about to take off. I am slightly nervous. I'm Sarah Wu, The Economist China correspondent based in the capital of Beijing after years in Taipei and Hong Kong.
0:52Jiehao Chen:We are now approaching the Dalai Lama's temple and a very narrow street. And I'm Jeremy Page, a chief China correspondent, previously based in Beijing for 15 years, but now in Taipei. And together with Jie Hao Chen in London and our colleagues across the globe, we'll take you beyond the headlines to explore how China is reshaping itself and the world.
1:14Jeremy Page:From the party's agenda to advances in AI.
1:18Jiehao Chen:I've seen what's happened over the past 20 years, and I think China still has the ability to surprise us on this front. And from great power rivalries to popular culture.
1:27Sarah Wu:Well, you know what the Chinese say,
1:32Sarah Wu:So what meal is to man is what iron is to steel.
1:38Jeremy Page:Whether you follow China for work, study or simply curiosity, Drum Tower is your guide to its culture, complexities and contradictions.
1:46Jiehao Chen:Subscribe to join us every Tuesday. Thank you.
From the publisher
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