After the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, China's economy has struggled to regain momentum . Low domestic demand has impacted multiple industries, while rising youth unemployment is fueling concern among local communities . In response, the Chinese government has introduced a range of policies to strengthen vocational education, aiming to equip young people with practical skills for a growing tech sector. On July 17, 2025, an interview with Eli Friedman and Yun Zhou , moderated by Andrew Liu , examines key features of China's labor market, analyzes shifting economic trends, and explores the broader impact of socio-cultural attitudes in the workplace. About the speakers