For decades, the number of Chinese children with poor eyesight has been growing.
Today, one in two Chinese youngsters is short-sighted.
Millions wear glasses to see clearly at a distance.
And some will go on to develop severe myopia, which can lead to blindness.
Chinese leaders are alarmed.
Xi Jinping has declared it a major concern, threatening children’s health, but also China’s national strength.
After all, fighter pilots and firemen both need 20/20 vision.
But the problem is proving surprisingly hard to tackle.
I am David Rennie, the Economist’s Beijing bureau chief.
I am here with Rosie Blau, one of the hosts of The Intelligence, our daily news show.
Rosie also used to be here in Beijing as the Economist’s China correspondent.
Today we are asking: what does China’s struggle with childhood myopia tell us about life in the country?
This is Drum Tower.
From the Economist.
Rosie, you are in London.
It’s been a while.
How are you doing?
I am astonishingly hot.
It is that Beijing summery, muggy, intense heat.
It is a very boring thing to complain about because it is true for months,