Disinterest in Communism: Has China Lost an Entire Generation?

In recent discussions about China's youth, a prominent historian characterized the younger generation as largely apathetic towards patriotism and political involvement. This disinterest poses a challenge for the Chinese government, which traditionally emphasizes national pride and ideological commitment.

Many young adults in China, like Zhang Weihao, who prefers to remain anonymous, find themselves disenchanted with their country's socio-political landscape. At thirty-three, Zhang is unemployed and relies on his savings and parental support after moving to Shenzhen for love, which ultimately did not last. He describes his life in China as one marked by uncertainty regarding his identity, stating, "I feel somewhat stateless." His aspirations are modest: a fulfilling job that pays the bills and a deep, trusting relationship.

China is currently facing a significant youth unemployment crisis, with rates soaring to nearly 17% as of February, and peaking over 21% in June 2023. These figures, however, do not include students still enrolled in universities. Officially, the overall unemployment rate is reported at 5%, but many believe the actual number is higher due to economic challenges and corporate layoffs.

Reflecting a shift in societal values, many young people are delaying marriage or opting out entirely and are choosing to have fewer children. Xu Jilin, a noted historian, highlights the stark differences between today's youth and their parents, noting that many young adults show little connection to the socialist ideals propagated by the Communist Party. Instead, they seem more absorbed in their individual lives, detached from broader national issues.

Xu points out that this detachment is a normal response to the perceived decay of their country, likening it to a sinking ship where individuals scramble for safety, focusing on personal survival rather than collective concerns. The apathy towards grand political themes is alarming for a government that relies on the engagement and allegiance of its populace.

Young individuals like Zhang express frustration with the rhetoric surrounding socialism, feeling that it has become disingenuous and merely performative. He has turned to exploring philosophical teachings, such as Taoism and Confucianism, to better understand his identity in the context of Chinese history.

For the Communist Party, a generation that appears indifferent to politics may seem manageable, as long as they maintain compliance with the regime. However, the youth's desire for autonomy can lead to unrest, as evidenced by the protests in late 2022 against the stringent zero-COVID policies, which compelled the government to reconsider its approach.