China in three numbers

Synopsis

In this video, three significant numbers represent China: 25 trillion renminbi, the total debt owed by local governments, equivalent to the entire German economy. This highlights the fractured authoritarianism within the Communist Party's control, as local governments resist Beijing's orders to reduce industrial overcapacity due to their commercial interests. Another number, 247,000, indicates the electric vehicles sold in China in 2015, showcasing the country's position as the world's largest electric vehicle market and its commitment to environmental improvement and technological advancement. Lastly, the suicide rate of 8.7 per 100,000 people reflects a positive trend, down from 23 in the late 1990s, indicating a shift from poverty to economic dynamism for the 690 million people living in rural China. These numbers illustrate the complexities and changes within Chinese society.