Chinese workers fight back against AI; the meaning of milk in Rwanda

Chinese workers fight back against AI; the meaning of milk in Rwanda

Vendors for AI enabled robots wait for customers at the 137th Canton Fair in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Ng Han Guan/AP hide caption

Just like in the United States and elsewhere, workers in China are worried about artificial intelligence taking away their jobs. So they are fighting back. This summer, acourt in the Chinese city of Guangzhou sided with a graphics designer who was replaced by AI, ruling his dismissal was unlawful. Similar court decisions have happened across several Chinese cities and are being hailed as victories for workers’ rights. But with China’s push to win the AI race, workers still have plenty to be anxious about. We go to China to learn more.And in Rwanda, if you want to grab a tall cold one at the end of the day, your beverage very well might be milk. Milk bars are a part of daily life and the drink holds cultural significance. But, this popular beverage may be causing problems for the population. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews. Anyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR.