21 Feb 2026
1h 33m

The Chinese Billionaire Paying People to Have Kids | James Liang on Demography

Podcast cover

Johnathan Bi

The interview explores the relationship between demography and innovation, particularly focusing on the impact of aging and declining populations on economic growth and technological advancement. James Liang, co-founder of Trip.com, argues that a shrinking, aging population can lead to cultural and technological stagnation, referencing Japan's economic decline as a case study. He suggests that countries with larger populations have an advantage in the digital age due to increased data and user participation in innovation. Liang also touches on the concept of "genovation," emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy birth rate to sustain innovation and societal progress. He advocates for government support to young families through financial incentives and cultural shifts that encourage shared parental responsibilities.

Outlines

Part 1: Demography and the Stagnation of Innovation

Part 2: Scale, Population Size, and Digital Advantage

Part 3: Philosophical Explorations and "After Immortality"

Part 4: Founder’s Journey: From Silicon Valley to Trip.com

Part 5: Innovationism and Genovation

Part 6: Future Risks, AI, and Ethics

Part 7: Policy, Education, and Solutions

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