Xi Jinping reaches into China’s ancient history for a new claim to rule
For decades, observers have propagated a simplified narrative concerning the intricate bond connecting China’s Communist Party with its populace. This narrative outlines an arrangement between the ruling elite and the citizenry, often couched in somewhat patronizing terms.
According to this account, the majority of Chinese citizens, spanning from the laboring masses to the burgeoning urban middle class, are presumed to intentionally sidestep political discourse or contemplation. In return for this perceived disengagement from the corridors of power, individuals are granted the freedom to partake in the competition for prosperity and opportunities facilitated by an ascending China.
However, as China’s economic momentum has waned, housing prices have dipped, and prospects for fresh graduates have dwindled, the same external observers have begun to speculate whether there might be a shift in public sentiment towards the ruling party. This reevaluation stems from concerns that the economic strains could potentially instigate a change in the relationship between the populace and the government.
The tale of the Chinese populace’s intricate association with its political leadership has traditionally painted a picture of resignation, coexistence, and shared benefits. Yet, in the face of evolving circumstances, the narrative is no longer as straightforward. The underlying question now probes whether the previously accepted modus operandi of detachment from political matters in exchange for material advancement can endure under the mounting pressures of a changing economic landscape.
The portrayal of China’s social contract as primarily focused on economic considerations actually fails to capture the broader aspirations of the Communist Party, particularly since the ascendancy of Xi Jinping to the role of paramount leader eleven years ago.
During his leadership tenure, Xi has shifted the emphasis away from the single-minded pursuit of material affluence, instead placing politics—albeit within a tightly controlled, hierarchical framework—at the core of daily existence.
This strategic shift has yielded significant results, at least until the present moment. A notable proportion of the populace, especially among those born after 1990 who have witnessed an era of continuous national prosperity and influence, have been inclined to endorse the notion that China’s achievements stem from its resolute one-party political structure, rather than in spite of it.
Under Xi Jinping’s stewardship, the party’s ambitions have expanded beyond mere economic growth. While economic development remains crucial, the focus has widened to encompass the resurgence of political supremacy in a tightly regulated form. This redirection has resonated with a considerable portion of the population, particularly those who have grown up in an era marked by sustained national advancement and might view the one-party system as a driving force behind China’s accomplishments.
Xi’s strategy has managed to cultivate a perception that China’s success is intertwined with its firm, single-party governance, which is perceived by many as a key contributor to the nation’s ascendancy. This viewpoint holds significant sway, especially among younger generations that have not experienced the tumultuous periods preceding China’s economic rise.
In instances where unelected governments or autocratic regimes assert their right to govern based on their effective and efficient administration, political analysts refer to this as “performance legitimacy.” This concept comes into play when such governments seek to justify their rule by highlighting their ability to deliver results.
Against this backdrop, the initial two years of the Covid-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity for proponents of the ruling party’s ideology. During this period, the propaganda machinery worked tirelessly to disseminate information about the growing death toll from Covid-19 in the United States.
This was supplemented by visuals of patients requiring ventilator support in Western hospitals, along with recycled clips of then-President Donald Trump downplaying scientific advice during White House press conferences. The narrative was further enriched with scenes of Western cities witnessing protests against lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccination requirements.
While it’s acknowledged that censorship was extensive and pervasive, and that some Chinese citizens resented strict enforcement of zero-Covid protocols during lockdowns, the prevailing sentiment leaned toward a sense of exceptionalism within China. Party ideologues hailed Xi Jinping as the commander-in-chief leading a “people’s war” against the pandemic. This narrative portrayed China as a realm of order and safety, a stark contrast to what was portrayed as bickering and self-centered behavior in Western democracies.
The strategy successfully aligned with the performance legitimacy narrative by positioning China’s response to Covid-19 as a display of competent governance. This narrative resonated with many Chinese citizens, reinforcing the idea that their country’s leadership was effectively managing the crisis. As Western democracies grappled with their own challenges, China’s approach appeared, on the surface, as a more unified and controlled response.
In tandem with the party’s self-praising narrative regarding its governance capabilities, Xi Jinping has also issued somber appeals for China to achieve self-sufficiency and to stand firm against external adversaries.
His speeches underscore China’s resurgence as a formidable global power, emphasizing the need to counter a Western-led coalition, led by the United States, that aims to contain China’s ascent. Such rhetoric of potential threats serves multiple purposes: it fosters unity among the populace while categorizing dissenting voices as internal adversaries. During times of jeopardy, opposing views from within are viewed as undermining efforts, akin to a crew member challenging the captain during a treacherous storm.
However, a mandate to govern based on claims of exceptional competence and the suppression of dissent becomes problematic when top leaders commit errors. A forceful but autocratic captain swiftly turns into a liability if their repeated actions lead the ship of state astray. A candid essay authored by Chinese scholars Fu Yu and Gui Yong reflects on a crisis of confidence among the younger generation. This essay, based on social media surveys, is highlighted and translated by David Ownby of the University of Montreal on his blog “Reading the China Dream.”
The emergence of this crisis of confidence is noteworthy, as it indicates a growing disillusionment among the youth regarding the party’s governance. This suggests that the narrative of exceptional competence and stifled dissent might be losing its persuasive power, particularly among those who are becoming increasingly critical of leadership missteps.
The perception that the ruling party’s control might impede open discussions about the country’s challenges and setbacks could contribute to skepticism among the younger generation, leading them to question the efficacy of the party’s approach.
In essence, the prevailing narrative that emphasizes the party’s infallibility and effectiveness could backfire if leadership failures come to the forefront. The clash between the idealized image and the reality of mistakes might erode the credibility of the leadership in the eyes of a disillusioned populace, particularly among the younger demographic who are attuned to the issues discussed on various platforms, including social media.
Focusing on the generation of Chinese individuals born after the 1990s, an essay elucidates a pronounced disconnect between their patriotism, elevated expectations of their governing authorities, and the harsh realities of a society that they perceive as profoundly unequal. This gap becomes more palpable when they confront the stark disparities in their society, to the extent that hardworking individuals from provincial backgrounds are seemingly unable to bridge the gap separating them from those born into privilege.
Originally published in 2022 and recently reissued by the Beijing Cultural Review, an academic journal, the essay titled “The Five Intriguing Paradoxes of Contemporary Chinese Young People” offers insights into the mindset of the younger generation. The essay outlines a group of youths who harbor both fervent patriotism and high hopes for their country’s leadership, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a society that they view as marked by cruel inequality. In this context, young people perceive that those born with advantages are positioned to flourish while diligent provincial residents struggle to catch up, leading to feelings of deep frustration.
This essay delves into the generation’s shifting attitudes toward private capital, with some developing an aversion to what they consider “evil” private capital. They express a desire for a robust state capable of reigning in and controlling these capitalist elements. Concurrently, the essay also highlights instances of “crises of belief,” wherein many young people are refraining from pursuing traditional milestones like marriage and parenthood. These trends indicate a broader disillusionment and uncertainty about societal structures.
Moreover, the circumstances have taken a turn for the worse since the essay’s original publication. The nation has grappled with the abrupt and poorly executed end to its zero-Covid policy, along with the suppression of information regarding significant numbers of deaths. These developments have further eroded public trust and confidence in the authorities, deepening the disquiet and disillusionment among the younger generation.
In sum, the essay provides a glimpse into the paradoxes that contemporary Chinese young people face—a blend of patriotism, high expectations, societal inequalities, shifting attitudes toward capitalism, and a growing disillusionment with traditional life paths. The subsequent challenges faced by the country, particularly the handling of the pandemic, have exacerbated these paradoxes, contributing to a sense of disillusionment and uncertainty among the younger generation.
