Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), China’s youth unemployment rates have been on a concerning rise, with fresh graduates facing daunting prospects in the job market. Over the past three years, the rate has escalated from 15% in 2021 to a staggering 21% in 2023. Despite holding prestigious degrees in fields such as engineering, mathematics, or physics, many young Chinese find themselves either unemployed or working in unrelated sectors.
The competitive nature of the labor market has exacerbated the issue. With an influx of graduates each year, employers often require higher qualifications even for positions that traditionally didn’t demand them. Consequently, individuals with only bachelor’s degrees find themselves overlooked in favor of those with master’s degrees.
Moreover, while China’s population growth has slowed, it’s crucial to note that the decline is gradual, with around 80-100 fewer births annually. This decline, though significant, must be contextualized within China’s massive population of 1.4 billion people.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, leading to widespread layoffs as companies struggled to adapt to restrictions and changing market dynamics. Even after the pandemic, the aftermath of the “zero COVID” policy continues to impact employment opportunities.
Urbanization has also played a role, with young people from rural areas seeking opportunities in cities. However, high urban unemployment rates often lead to reverse migration, as disillusioned graduates return to their hometowns.
In response, the Chinese government has offered subsidies to incentivize companies to hire young people, but the impact has been limited. To address the root causes of unemployment, China must consider opening its market to foreign investors, and providing better opportunities for its youth.
The stringent regulations and high taxes currently deter foreign investment. Simplifying the process for foreign businesses to operate in China could stimulate job growth and alleviate unemployment pressures.
Additionally, for graduates with foreign language skills, opportunities abroad beckon. Countries like the United States, Japan, and Canada are popular destinations, offering prospects for highly skilled workers.
As China grapples with its youth unemployment crisis, a multi-faceted approach involving both domestic policy reforms and increased openness to the global market is necessary to secure brighter prospects for its young workforce.
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