Xi Calls on Young Chinese to Serve Rural Areas as Unemployment Crisis Persists Amid Tariff War

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 12:41 pm

Xi Jinping Urges Young Chinese to Rural Areas Amid Economic Woes

China's leader, Xi Jinping, is once again calling on young Chinese to seek employment in rural areas, a move that has sparked both concern and historical comparisons. This call comes as China grapples with a struggling economy, including a persistent unemployment crisis, particularly among young urban residents.

According to official reports, Xi sent a letter to volunteer teachers in Xinjiang, urging young people to "shine" and serve the "motherland" in rural and border regions. This echoes similar calls made in the past, notably in 2023 when the unemployment rate for urban youth aged 16-24 hit a record high of 21.3%. This situation has led to initiatives like the Guangdong Provincial Communist Youth League Committee's plan to relocate 300,000 young people to the countryside.

Critics draw parallels to the "sent-down youth" movement of the Cultural Revolution (1968-1978), where millions of students were forcibly sent to rural areas for re-education. Analysts suggest Xi's current push is driven by a need to maintain political stability and mask the severity of the economic challenges. Experts like Sheng Xue and Cai Shenkun argue that this is a temporary fix, potentially reminiscent of Mao Zedong's methods, and that the underlying issues of stalled exports, weak domestic demand, and a lack of job opportunities remain unaddressed. Some fear that the economic strain could lead to social unrest if not handled properly.

BNN's Perspective: While it's understandable that the Chinese government is seeking solutions to address unemployment, the historical echoes of forced relocation raise valid concerns. The focus should be on creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering a more open and inclusive society, rather than resorting to measures that could be perceived as a return to past authoritarian practices. Finding a balance between economic stability and individual freedoms is crucial for China's future.

Keywords: Xi Jinping, China, unemployment, rural areas, youth, economy, job market, Cultural Revolution, sent-down youth, Mao Zedong, political stability, economic crisis, Guangdong, Xinjiang, urban youth, college graduates, exports, domestic demand, social unrest.

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