Chinese are out in droves to celebrate the annual Golden Week holiday but social media suggests the mood is somber. The BBC ran a story after getting its hands on a rare survey of what people thought of the economy. The survey covering those in the 20 to 60 age bracket in 29 provinces except Tibet and Xinjiang, indicated disillusionment and pesimissim about the future with the growth target of 5% unlikely to be met.
Millions of college graduates reported taking on low-wage jobs, some are “lying flat”, pushing back on work demands while others are returning home too burnt out from their jobs. The survey indicated that 15% of people no longer believe that “effort is always rewarded” in China.
The pesimissim suggests all’s not well with Xi Jinping’s “Common Prosperity Policy”, with many critics saying it has only resulted in crackdowns on businesses. Add to that growing dissent. The China Dissent Monitor says there’s been an 18% rise in protests in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. The dissent ranges from physical to online with people voicing their grievances or advancing their interests in ways that are in contention with authority.
Normally, such dissenters are picked up by the authorities and dealt with swiftly but the fact that such instances are increasing indicate society is unhappy and increasingly resentful over their lot. It could trigger widespread protests against the Communist Party, something which is a constant fear of the ruling establishment.
President Xi Jinping acknowledged the nation’s difficulties during a speech marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. But as always, he appeared preoccupied with security, urging people to remain vigilant and rely on the CCP for stability and guidance. His address, delivered to around 3,000 CCP members and foreign dignitaries, lacked the celebratory tone typical of such events, reflecting the broader challenges facing the nation.
“The road ahead will not be smooth,” he warned, “there will be difficulties and obstacles and we may encounter major tests such as high winds and rough seas or even stormy waves.” This from the man who has packed top level positions with his own men, ensured an unprecedented third term for himself and set the country on the path of more party control over the economy.
