Can China’s economy survive global shocks?

中国AI与机器人正在全速“超车”美国!

Asia Specific

2026-03-11

24 分钟
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China’s growth is slowing as the US-Israel war with Iran jolts the world economy and oil prices spike. Once seen as the growth engine of Asia and the world, China is now trying to shield its giant economy from external shocks, this year setting its lowest economic growth target in more than three decades. Can China’s leaders build a more self-reliant economy? And is it still on track to overtake the United States? Host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker and Asia Business correspondent Suranjana Tewari to discuss how the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran could affect China's economy and whether the world's second-largest economy is still on track to overtake the US in the coming decades. Asia Specific - Asia Pacific stories unpacked by those who know them best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on what’s shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
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  • This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

  • As war engulfs the Middle East, the economic fallout is felt worldwide,

  • with oil and gas prices erratically moving up and down.

  • And that poses a challenge for Iran's biggest oil buyer, China,

  • which is in the midst of a broader economic slowdown.

  • Youth unemployment: around one in five young people in China are struggling to find work.

  • Then you've got a really persistent housing crisis, real estate crisis.

  • Once the growth engine of Asia, China is now trying to future-proof its economy

  • in an increasingly uncertain world.

  • Can Beijing pull off its plans to become more self-reliant?

  • And is China still on track to become the world's largest economy in the coming decades?

  • I'm Marie Gorie in Singapore, and this is Asia Pacific from the BBC World Service.

  • Twice a week, we bring you Asia-Pacific stories unpacked by those who know them best.

  • And today I have our Asia business correspondent, Sharanjit Leyl.

  • I also have our China correspondent, Laura Bicker, in Beijing. Welcome both.

  • Thanks. Nice to be back.

  • Now, Laura, shortly after the attack on Iran,

  • I think it's fair to say that the market reaction was relatively calm.

  • And you and I spoke on this podcast that the impact on China's oil supplies might be limited.

  • But now there are fears of prolonged disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz,