Global Experts Conclude Landmark Conference on Inequality in China at the University of Manchester
The University of Manchester hosted a three-day international conference exploring inequality in China and worldwide. Experts discussed how economic reforms reduced poverty but also created new gaps in income and opportunity, sharing major new research findings and building global partnerships to support fairer, more inclusive growth.
The University of Manchester has successfully concluded its three鈥慸ay international conference, The Economics and Politics of Inequality in China, held from 4鈥�6 February 2026. The event brought together leading scholars, policymakers and research teams from across the world to examine the drivers, consequences and future trajectories of inequality in China and globally. The conference was jointly organised by Peter Gries and Xiaobing Wang from the University of Manchester; Shi Li and Peng Zhan from Zhejiang University; and Lina Song from Nottingham University. The conference was supported by the Hallsworth Conference Fund and the 91直播 China Institute.
Over the course of the conference, participants explored how nearly fifty years of rapid economic reform have lifted millions out of poverty while simultaneously generating deep and complex forms of inequality. Through a series of keynote lectures, panel discussions, and research presentations, experts highlighted the economic, political, and social mechanisms that shape disparities across regions, sectors, and demographic groups.
A major feature of the event was the presentation of new findings from the China Household Income Project (CHIP), one of the world鈥檚 most comprehensive datasets on income distribution. Many core members of the CHIP research team shared cutting鈥慹dge analyses on poverty reduction, employment quality, rural鈥搖rban divisions, and long鈥憈erm inequality trends鈥攐ffering valuable insights for future research and policy design.
The conference also fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together specialists in economics, politics, sociology, public policy, and development studies. These exchanges sparked new research directions and strengthened networks dedicated to understanding and addressing inequality in China and beyond. Delegates emphasised that such cross鈥慸isciplinary dialogue is essential for developing effective and evidence鈥慴ased solutions.
Organisers hailed the event as a vital platform for advancing global discussions on inequality. By convening experts from China, the UK, Europe, and North America, the conference not only deepened academic understanding but also contributed to broader societal debates on how best to promote inclusive growth, social mobility, and fairer economic systems.
The conference organisers extend their thanks to all speakers, contributors, and attendees, whose engagement and expertise made the conference a major success. Plans for future collaborative initiatives and follow鈥憉p research activities are already underway.