Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the country’s young people to play a bigger role in national development, saying it is an ideal time for them to contribute. The remarks were widely seen as a warning amid the spread of the so-called “tangping,” or “lying flat,” attitude among youth as the economy slows and job prospects weaken.
According to the Communist Party newspaper People’s Daily, Xi said on May 3, a day ahead of China’s May 4 Youth Day, that this year marks the start of the 15th five-year plan and is “an important time” for young people to contribute to the country’s development.
He called on youth to “hold lofty ideals,” work diligently, inspire one another and align personal goals with national development, seeking “new achievements” in their respective fields, the report said.
Xi delivered the message in a reply to a letter from recipients of the “China Youth May 4 Medal” and the “New Era Youth Vanguard Award.” He praised the awardees for not forgetting their responsibilities to the Communist Party and for dedicating themselves on the front lines of grassroots work, including scientific and technological innovation, rural revitalization, social service and border defense. Xi said their efforts showed the confidence, self-reliance and positive spirit of Chinese youth in the new era.
The message drew attention as “lying flat” has gained traction among young Chinese. The term, which spread on Chinese social media around 2021 during the COVID-19 period, refers to young people worn down by intense competition and employment difficulties who lose motivation, do only minimal work and adopt a passive lifestyle.
China’s Ministry of State Security said on April 28 on its official WeChat account that the spread of “lying flat” was fueled by agitation from some influencers allegedly backed by anti-China overseas forces, and urged young people to “keep a clear mind.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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