Global Experts Conclude Landmark Conference on Inequality in China at the University of Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ
The University of Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ 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 Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ has successfully concluded its three‑day international conference, The Economics and Politics of Inequality in China, held from 4–6 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 Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ; 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 Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ 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’s most comprehensive datasets on income distribution. Many core members of the CHIP research team shared cutting‑edge analyses on poverty reduction, employment quality, rural–urban divisions, and long‑term inequality trends—offering 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‑disciplinary dialogue is essential for developing effective and evidence‑based 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‑up research activities are already underway.