Topic: Ghost Cities

A proposal is discussed to utilize China's uninhabited "ghost cities" as a solution for the Syrian refugee crisis. These cities possess modern infrastructure, including shopping malls and symphony halls, but lack residents. The hosts debate the practicality of relocating millions of people to these facilities versus existing European and American resettlement plans.

Producers Alex and Shanshan Nori provide a counter-perspective on China, confirming the existence of massive "ghost cities" and artificial building booms. They describe empty skyscraper developments and a lack of consumer trust in Chinese-made products like baby formula. The hosts weigh the conflicting reports from residents and visitors regarding the stability of the Chinese economy.

Chinese developers have abandoned large-scale construction projects in Benghazi, Libya, leaving behind "ghost cities" of unfinished concrete frameworks. The instability following the Libyan revolution has deterred foreign investors from returning to rebuild the sprawling new towns intended for 200,000 residents. This withdrawal marks a significant setback for Chinese economic interests in North Africa.