The China Equation

With Tara Hariharan

Summary of Episode 11:

China is often in the headlines, but how much do we really understand about the forces driving its economy and its global influence? In this episode of IR Unfiltered, I sit down with Tara Hariharan, Managing Director at NWI Management and a widely quoted expert on China, to explore the story behind the statistics.

Tara’s journey into analysing China began more than a decade ago when she realised that China’s economic policies ripple through almost every market, from U.S. stocks to the Indian rupee. Over the years, her work and travels have brought her face-to-face with policymakers, experts, and even the President of Taiwan, giving her a rare insider’s view of how China operates at both the economic and geopolitical levels.

We dive into China’s role as the world’s second-largest economy, explaining it in terms that anyone, even a teenager, can grasp. China is not just a factory for cheap goods anymore. Tara highlights its shift toward innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and 5G. At the same time, we tackle misconceptions about whether China’s economy is entirely state-controlled or still just about low-cost exports.

Another key question we discuss is whether China’s growth is slowing, and why that matters for the rest of the world. From its ageing population to global trade tensions, Tara unpacks the pressures weighing on China and how these challenges ripple through supply chains, commodity prices, and investment flows.

Finally, we look at China’s relationships abroad. How does it deal differently with developed economies like the U.S. and Europe compared to emerging markets in Africa or Asia? And what do these strategies mean for countries like India and for young people shaping their futures in an increasingly competitive global economy?

Tune in to IR Unfiltered Episode 11 to hear Tara’s sharp analysis and fresh perspective on China’s rise and what it means for all of us.