😓 Ever felt like you're stuck on a treadmill, running faster but getting nowhere? In China, this feeling has a name: \\"neijuan\\". It's the buzzword describing the intense and often exhausting competition that's gripping students and professionals alike.
From nine-year-olds sacrificing sleep for extracurriculars to gain entry into elite middle schools, to white-collar workers clocking endless overtime, the pressure is real. Students feel they have to pile on activities just to keep up, and workers push themselves to the brink to stay ahead. It's a hamster wheel of effort with diminishing returns.
But it's not just individuals feeling the squeeze. Companies compete to offer the lowest prices, sometimes even at a loss, and local governments vie to attract businesses with ever more generous policies, occasionally overlooking the long-term impact.
Some are pushing back with a philosophy called \\"tangping\\" or \\"lying down\\". It's about stepping off the treadmill, rejecting relentless competition, and questioning the value of constant hustling. Think of it as the Chinese version of \\"🌴 chill vibes only\\".
The good news? China's leaders are listening. In late 2023, officials acknowledged the \\"neijuan-style competition\\" in emerging industries. They're now calling for measures to prevent what's known as \\"rat race-style irrational competition\\".
At a key economic conference in Beijing, the message was clear: it's time to address irrational competition and ensure healthy development. Han Wenxiu, a top economic official, emphasized the need to maintain China's competitive edge globally by tackling these challenges.
While specific plans are still under wraps, there's talk of using market-driven and legal methods to improve standards in technology, environmental protection, and energy consumption. Experts like Liu Yuanchun highlight that local governments will also be encouraged to shift away from cutthroat tactics.
By confronting \\"neijuan\\", China is taking steps to create a more sustainable and balanced environment for everyone. 🌟
Reference(s):
Confronting 'neijuan': China addresses unhealthy competition
cgtn.com
