During the previous month, China conducted one of its most significant yearly political functions, the National People’s Congress. In this event, Chinese Premier Li Qiang laid out the nation’s growth forecast for this year, setting a target GDP growth of approximately 5 percent. Amid the backdrop of an economy that appears to be decelerating, the escalating unemployment trend has generated anxiety about prospective criticization of the governing Communist Party.
In Guangzhou, which is Guangdong Province’s premier city and a noteworthy economic dynamo in the southern part of China, an excess of 10,000 migrant laborers accumulate at a job center each day. They aspire to secure employment opportunities in local apparel manufacturing industries. Despite this, the reduced availability of jobs and the downward pressure on wages means many individuals are struggling to secure work that suits their abilities.
There is a growing apprehension pertaining to potential social disorder. In Zhuhai City, within Guangdong Province, there was a tragic occurrence where an older man, aged 62, drove his vehicle into a multitude of people, leading to the loss of 35 lives. This incident was succeeded by another unfortunate event in Hunan Province, when another man, aged 39, drove into a crowd near a school, causing injuries to multiple people.
Migrant workers have been assembling at the fringes of Beijing in the hope of finding employment opportunities. Among them is Chen Qinggang, who originated from Shandong Province. Despite his earnest endeavor to secure work, Chen discovered a severe lack of openings, with an estimated thousand job seekers for a minuscule ten openings.
Chen mentions his constant struggle and how he often resorts to staying in inexpensive internet cafes to save money. This way, he manages to save up a little to send back to his family. He emphasized his growing concerns, stating that the situation seems to worsen each passing day.
In the city of Beijing, an organization that fulfills the role of mediating labor quarrels is finding itself inundated with work lately. One woman who approached them for resolution had been dealing with a situation of wage non-payment. She played the role of Human Resource manager at an IT company but had not received her paycheck since September and further stated her inability to get in touch with her manager.
She mentioned how she had approached the municipal organization for mediation but was also told she had to wait for a staggering five months before the process could even commence. This left her feeling forlorn and wondering why the government couldn’t ensure protection for individuals facing her predicament. As a result of such situations and overall economic hardships, the phrase ‘Garbage time of history’ gained prominence amongst locals to express their conditions.
The economic downturn has exerted significant pressure on marginalized groups, particularly those from rural areas. This financial strain has pushed some individuals into a state of despair, painting a bleak outlook on their situation. The Zhuhai attack, which tragically led to the demise of over 30 individuals, seemed to have been driven by personal motivations.
However, it’s paramount to assess the broader social circumstances in the face of such recurring incidents. The ruling authorities have been shifting their focus towards fiscal policies to help stimulate economic growth. Premier Li Qiang, on the inaugural day of the National People’s Congress, reiterated the year’s growth target to be pegged at around 5 percent.
Simultaneously, news came from America, with President Donald Trump declaring an additional 20 percent tariff imposition on imports from China. Amid the augmented financial stress, experts warn about the potential depletion of pension fund reserves given the decreasing workforce. The pension structure is substantially reliant on state subsidies.
With limited financial flexibility, China faces the ominous challenge of supporting its most vulnerable citizens. Concurrently, the existing social safety nets appear to be insufficient in fulfilling their purpose. Amid these unsettling developments, the Hong Kong media reported on a significant development following the Zhuhai incident.
Following the traumatic occurrence in Zhuhai, residential groups across Guangdong province have reportedly been given directives to identify and report any individuals categorized as ‘high risk.’ These developments all point to a nation grappling with the social and economic consequences of a slowing economy amid an increasingly uncertain international environment.
While China is looking to assertive fiscal policies to support economic growth and temper social discontent, it’s clear that for many regular citizens like Chen Qinggang, it is a testing time. The dual pressures of economic hardship and social instability have led to a period commonly referred to as the ‘Garbage time of history,’ underscoring the deepening sense of helplessness and despair.
Moving forward, China will need to find ways to support its most vulnerable citizens while navigating the bigger challenges of a decelerating economy and an aging workforce. As Premier Li Qiang affirmed during the National People’s Congress, maintaining a steady growth rate will be vital despite such challenges. However, it remains to be seen how and when measures to accomplish these goals will be implemented effectively.