In recent years, a phenomenon known as “neijuan” has permeated various sectors of Chinese society, from education to the corporate world. Characterized by intense internal competition leading to diminishing returns and widespread exhaustion, neijuan has become a pressing concern for individuals and policymakers alike.
Escalating Pressures in Education
For many students in China, the pursuit of academic excellence has transformed into an arms race. The pressure to accumulate impressive extracurricular activities starts at an early age, with even nine-year-olds sacrificing sleep and leisure to enhance their portfolios for elite middle school admissions. This relentless competition extends beyond colleges to high schools, middle schools, and primary schools, fostering a culture where maintaining one’s relative position demands increasing effort.
Beyond the Classroom: A Societal Challenge
The neijuan phenomenon is not confined to education. White-collar workers often find themselves competing to log the most overtime hours, sometimes at the expense of their mental health. In the manufacturing sector, companies engage in fierce price wars, offering products at minimal profit margins or even at a loss to outdo competitors. Local governments, in their bid to attract investments, offer generous policies without fully considering long-term economic impacts.
From “Neijuan” to “Tangping”
In response to the exhausting cycle of competition, some individuals have started embracing “tangping,” or “lying down.” This philosophy advocates for opting out of the relentless race, questioning the value of strenuous efforts with minimal returns. It represents a silent protest against societal pressures, akin to the English expression “drop out” or the meme “reject humanity, return to monkey.”
Policy Shifts to Address Unhealthy Competition
Recognizing the detrimental effects of neijuan, Chinese policymakers are taking action. In late 2023, the Xinhua News Agency reported that central officials acknowledged the presence of “neijuan-style competition” in emerging industries. During a July meeting, the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership emphasized the need for enterprises to prevent “rat race-style irrational competition.”
Most notably, following the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, the CPC signaled a strategic shift from merely preventing neijuan to actively addressing it. The focus is on regulating the behavior of enterprises and local governments to foster a healthier competitive environment.
Looking Ahead: Strategies for Change
“New industries like new energy vehicles and solar panels, which we have worked hard to cultivate, now face new challenges,” said Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs. “We must address irrational competition and ensure the healthy development of these industries to maintain our competitive edge in the global market.”
While specific measures have yet to be detailed, experts suggest that market-oriented and legal approaches will be employed. Han highlighted the importance of improving standards in technology, environmental protection, safety, and energy consumption.
Liu Yuanchun, dean of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, pointed out that local governments are also under scrutiny. “The neijuan competition among local governments to attract investment will be addressed,” Liu remarked, indicating a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.
As China moves to confront the challenges posed by neijuan, there is hope that these efforts will lead to a more sustainable and balanced development model, alleviating pressures on individuals and promoting healthier competition across various sectors.
(Cover image via CFP)
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Confronting 'neijuan': China addresses unhealthy competition
cgtn.com
