China Labour Bulletin's English Website Editor Geoffrey Crothall appeared in the following television discussion on unemployment and social instability in China.
This edition of Al Jazeera's 101 East first aired Thursday 26 March 2009. Copyright Al Jazeera
China's 130 million rural migrant workers have helped build its economy to become the third largest in the world.
But as the global economic crisis worsens and Chinese exports shrivel, thousands of factories are closing and already 20 million workers have lost their jobs.
Obsessed by social harmony, China's leaders are gravely concerned with the country's waning stability.
The worsening situation has prompted them to announce a massive stimulus package - $585 billion - and infrastructure programme to help the government reach its goal of garnering 8 per cent growth this year.
But will spending over half a trillion dollars be enough? On this edition of 101 East we ask if the global financial downturn is creating potential political and social unrest in China.
Watch Part One
Watch Part Two
This edition of Al Jazeera's 101 East first aired Thursday 26 March 2009. Copyright Al Jazeera
China's 130 million rural migrant workers have helped build its economy to become the third largest in the world.
But as the global economic crisis worsens and Chinese exports shrivel, thousands of factories are closing and already 20 million workers have lost their jobs.
Obsessed by social harmony, China's leaders are gravely concerned with the country's waning stability.
The worsening situation has prompted them to announce a massive stimulus package - $585 billion - and infrastructure programme to help the government reach its goal of garnering 8 per cent growth this year.
But will spending over half a trillion dollars be enough? On this edition of 101 East we ask if the global financial downturn is creating potential political and social unrest in China.
Watch Part One
Watch Part Two