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As a b2b man, I often implement strategies to support and strengthen business relationships with our clients,
to find out raw materials suppliers for our factory’s daily producing and to deal with deliverers to send out our factory's products.
Besides communication, sometimes I visit by myself to their headquarters to investigate their supplying power as well as their product’s quality.
After many years of working, I have acquired some skills at general business management methods,
such as cost benefit analyzing, contact negotiating, products inspecting and arrangement shipping.
Trading Opportunity
As the world factory, Chinese can produce countless mass products daily. For example, only medical products,
there are about 1500 classes API for you to choose. Research and identification of suppliers in China for your project management services.
Besides, I can provide you with physical products, digital products, and high level of quality control.
China CDMO Development for Future
China CDMO Development for Future
China bulk drug manufacturers have a long history to provide intermediates and API for those world pharmaceutical giants. These manufacturers can be seen as the rudiments of its CDMO. Objectively speaking, from those early days, China’s low-cost production mode, and rich and cheap labor resources, plus relatively loose environmental protective policies etc, let the domestic CMO has a snowballed developing trend for nearly 20 years, and made a good preparation for its CDMO appeared.
After 2005, there were many hit products parents facing expiration. That meant those world pharmaceutical giants having more opportunities to seek some of their products to be produced by CDMO companies with low cost, thus, they can put more energy and cost on new drug R&D. For example, in order to reduce 50% producing cost, Pfizer transferred its production to China CMO manufacturers. There are many pharmaceutical giants to follow Pfizer’s method. The outsourcing rate from them is continuously increased, all of these gave China domestic CDMO an enormous developing opportunity.
In 2008, China CDMO companies through productive accumulation, they have completed their manufacturing’s transformation and upgrading, which indicated that they both can provide intermediates and API for those foreign pharmaceutical giants and actively take part in the whole process service for domestic innovative pharmaceutical new drug R&D.
Especially in November 2015, China began to implement a medicine separation policy, that is, medicine production license and its Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) can belong to different operators. Under the MAH policy, it is possible for domestic innovative drug R&D companies consigned those CDMO to process their products. The domestic CDMO met their second votive force of development.
Now I can make the following generalization about the domestic CDMO manners, the chemical pharmaceutical CDMO has formed 3 patterns on their task’s levels, first, simple consigned processing; second, common technology transferred service; third, new technology R&D and application. In short, they can provide multilevel, multi domain, and multi form business for the world pharmaceutical giant companies
In 2018, China CDMO marketing reached $2.5 billion. Among them, the chemical pharmaceutical CDMO occupied $1.6 billion, while the biological agents CDMO kept $0.8 billion. it is estimated to obtain $8.4 billion in 2023, by then, the former is predicted to be $4.1 billion, the latter will increase to $4.3 billion. The home market scale will achieve a rate of 29% for the compound annual growth. China domestic biologic CDMO market is the fastest rising in the world.
At present, some of domestic CDMO companies have the capacity to produce one hundred thousand kg of chemical pharmaceuticals, or the 0.1-million-liter biological drug, but in the field of cell therapy and gene treatment, these methods are relatively limited in China, domestic CDMO are lack of strong support on them, the business for them is still in incubation period.
Quite another situation is seen in the relative industries, for instance, China CDMO companies usually required some high-tech standards equipment for their testing and producing use, and many of which used to import from abroad. Wanting to earn money, those pharmaceutical matching equipment manufacturers have to use cutting edge technology to narrow down the quality gap with foreign advanced devices. The rate of domestic equipment replacing foreign facilities is stead upgrade. From here, the domestic CDMO companies can save a big cost.
Entering the exciting 21 century, China has been promoting pharmaceutical talents cultivation in order to raise its medical comprehensive strength level, at the same time, it also wants to depend on abundant API supply and product cost advantage, to receive more regional CDMO transference business from European and American in the future.
The Common Path to Political Careers for Children of Chinese Leaders
The Common Path to Political Careers for Children of Chinese Leaders
Recently, there were online rumors about an overseas student who insulted Chinese people on the internet and revealed that his family had their assets confiscated last year due to his officer father's illegal activities. Unexpectedly, this student claimed to have returned to China in May and, "with a series of assistance base on his father," he had recently started working in the Shanxi tax system. This incident drew whole country people widespread attention. However, after police investigation, it was confirmed that the student's father was an ordinary employee of a company and had not been prosecuted. The student's return to China and employment in the tax system with family help was found to be false information. The student has now been detained by the police.
Before the police intervened, many questioned the legitimacy of the student's public service position. Actually, a careful look reveals that his claims were false for several reasons:
First, children of leaders do not publicly accuse their parents of "Illegal Activities. Even if a leader is indeed disciplined, their children would never openly "boast" about it online. Such actions would harm both their parents and themselves. Numerous negative examples have taught them to be cautious.
Second, contrary to the stereotypical arrogant "Second Generation Officials," Today's leaders' children are much more discreet. In their jobs, they prefer not to reveal who their parents are. Their low profile is not out of modesty but to avoid drawing attention and suspicion from other people.
Third, as earlier mentioned student, entering into the Tax System requires passing the National Civil Service Exam. Only those officials with very high-level connections can influence such exams. Furthermore, it is unnecessary for an advanced leader to take such a risk just to secure a minor tax office position. You know that a high-ranking leaders wouldn’t bother with such a trivial matter, while lower-ranking leaders lack the power to do so. Hence, it is evident that the student's father was not a leader at all.
Thus, his statements are clearly the assumptions and fantasies of an outsider about the inner workings of the system. He perceived disciplinary actions as a badge of honor and believed that every secure job for leaders' children was obtained through personnel connections. While it’s true that personnel connections do matter, they are not used in such a manner. No leader would use their influence for a minor tax office position unless they were very low-ranking and had no choice but to seek help.
Given this context, it is important to discuss the proper way for children of Chinese leaders to pursue political careers today. They are destined to become leaders but do not start from low-level positions and work their way up step by step. Instead, there are legitimate and compliant shortcuts available to them.
Let's take the case of Wang, a young executive deputy county mayor born in the 1990's, as an example to illustrate the typical trajectory planning of a political career for children of Chinese leaders.
Wang was born in May 1990 and graduated with a master's degree in securities investment from the Hebei University's Finance and Economics Department in July 2014. Then he immediately joined the Hebei branch of the China Development Bank (CDB). This might seem like a natural fit for his major, but entering a state-owned enterprise (SOE) is far easier than passing the provincial or national civil service exams. Because some SOE recruitments don’t even include a written test, relying solely on interviews, making the process less stringent regulations.
Please pay attention to those key details: Wang was born and raised in Hebei Province, attended Hebei University for his undergraduate studies, and returned to work in Hebei after graduation. So everything appears normal, there were already hidden plans in place for his future political career.
After two years at the CDB Hebei branch, Wang was promoted from a business officer to a client manager. Although his work was relatively easy, mainly collaborating with the Handan government to issue loans, which was highlighted as a significant achievement in his resume.
However, it raises some questions: how could such a young person secure seven large government loans consecutively in the same area? Why did local departments specifically choose his bank for loans? Of course, these questions are tied to Wang’s significant background influence within the local government system. Obviously, simply issuing loans was not enough; he needed grassroots work experience and government work experience for a complete transition. The next steps in his career were strategic and impressive.
According to his work records, Wang was assigned to a village in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, in 2016. During his three months there (from July to September 2016), he supposedly achieved numerous accomplishments, such as repairing pipelines, renovating dangerous houses, reclaiming wasteland, managing flood prevention, and establishing an emergency duty system. However, it is improbable that he could have achieved so much in just three months. Yet, his resume now included grassroots experience, and no one would scrutinize the authenticity of these achievements. Next, from October 2016 to March 2022, Wang was assigned as a deputy director in the Wei County government office, gaining valuable government work experience.
In April 2022, Wang made an astonishing career move to the Handan branch of Hebei Bank, first as a party committee member and then, by July, as the deputy head. Note that the China Development Bank Hebei branch and Hebei Bank Handan branch are two entirely different institutions. Yet, Wang transitioned directly from a client manager to a deputy head in a different bank, which is quite extraordinary.
Notably, Wang's career has strong ties to both Handan and Zhangjiakou, indicating significant background influence in both regions.
By this point, Wang had accumulated substantial achievements, grassroots experience, government work experience, and leadership roles. Officially entering politics was just a matter of time.
In March 2023, Wang was transferred from the banking system to serve as a Standing Committee member and executive deputy county mayor of Weixian County in Xingtai City, an impressive position for someone in his early 30's. What luck! He never took a civil service exam, never worried about performance, and never had to compete with others, as everything seemed prearranged for him.
Without the overwhelming skepticism online, Wang could have continued to rise further. This is the "proper" way for the children of Chinese leaders to enter politics, unlike the previously mentioned student, who was merely an incompetent braggart.
It is time to summarize the steps for leaders' children to enter politics are as follows:
1. Special recruitment into an SOE through interviews.
2. Quickly achieve results and get promoted.
3. Gain grassroots experience with temporary assignments.
4. Gain government work experience through temporary posts.
5. Transfer to an official government position.
This pattern is now common, and during their rise to success, leaders' children often maintain a low profile, especially when formally transferring to government positions. They always avoid media coverage to prevent unnecessary attention and complications. Furthermore, in public disclosures and resumes, their information is often kept vague and simplistic, in order to serving to protect them. Consequently, a young leader may suddenly emerge with an impressive yet puzzling career history.
Why don't they hold their own umbrella when they have hands and feet?
Why don't they hold their own umbrella when they have hands and feet?
Holding an umbrella by themselves wouldn't showcase their status. They need to display their authority and enjoy the flattery and servility. In addition, the people around them also need to flatter them to climb up the ladder. Both sides cooperate seamlessly, creating a win-win situation.
When you see one cockroach, there are likely countless others hidden. Whether someone is a cockroach depends on their characteristics. The more humane sensible someone is, the more human nature they are; on the contrary, the less humane sensible, the more they resemble a cockroach.
It's an extraordinarily ugly image! A bunch of parasitic bloodsuckers. This is the charm of feudal thinking! It's been the same for five thousand years. First, they act like dogs as they were nobody, then they can become superior. They've all come this way. So, does such a social ecosystem have a future? They do. But to ordinary people,do you think they care? It can be said the essence of five thousand years of civilization has made the social hierarchy more refined, such as laborers dispatching business being divided into dispatched workers, outsourced workers, and hourly workers.
The only way to identify if someone has an unbending spine is to observe their actions when accompanying a senior leader. By that time, their belly is full of worldly wisdom.
This "image" particularly makes one think of those who are submissive to the superior and arrogant to the inferior, and to them their struggling to stick out their chest and belly, while bowing their heads in front of some their superiors.
The five thousand years of Chinese civilization is profound. There's a strong sense of superiority! Is this a mafia boss? This is the importance and unique superiority of joining the CCP. It's the system that creates them. Who dares to stab him and see what he consumes? When his stomach is full, he starts pocketing money with his hands behind his back. Indeed, people with money and status shouldn't have to bow. Who doesn't act the same? Having a belly means having capacity, a standard feature for leaders. You can look down on them, but don't hate them.
Didn't everyone start their officialdom journey with humility and courtesy? How could one stand on equal footing with other superiors without capability and strength? Once they have strength, they naturally gain confidence. If you worked hard to be so powerful, you'd also look down on everyone else. Don't criticize everything; having power does make a difference. So a grandfather should act like one, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Are you sure you wouldn't act the same if you reached his level? It's not that you hate superiority; you just hate that the power isn't yours! Pointless rage only makes you look more like a clown!
The best way is that maybe he didn't want to hold the umbrella, but the people beside him insisted on holding it for him.
A Shocking Story：An 11-Year-Old Boy Impersonates a Veteran and Collects 15 Years of Government Benefits
A Shocking Story：An 11-Year-Old Boy Impersonates a Veteran and Collects 15 Years of Government Benefits
In 2014, retired soldier Zhang Jian eagerly approached the social security office counter, ready to handle his social security affairs. However, when Zhang Jian’s identification information was entered, the social security office staff furrowed their brows.
"Comrade, your working unit has already paid 15 years of social security for you. Why do you need to pay more?"
This one sentence left Zhang Jian bewildered. Over the years, he had drifted around taking odd jobs to support his family, never holding a long-term stable job. How could any working unit have been paying social security for him?
He quickly explained to the staff that he had never participated in the social security system. The staff, also finding this odd, re-entered Zhang Jian's information, and once again, it showed that he had been covered for 15 years.
Pointing to the information on the screen, the staff said, "Isn't this you?"
Zhang Jian immediately leaned in to closely check the information. The ID number and name were correct, but he had never paid social security.
Now filled with questions, Zhang Jian urgently asked the staff which working unit had been paying his social security. He needed to understand this before proceeding further.
The staff looked up and told Zhang Jian, "The Forestry Bureau."
The mention of the Forestry Bureau made Zhang Jian's eyes widen, and his previously muddled mind suddenly cleared. He realized that he might have fallen victim to a scam years ago.
Who exactly had scammed Zhang Jian? And why was the Forestry Bureau paying social security on his behalf?
In 1975, Zhang Jian was born into a rural family in Heze, Shandong, China. Despite not being well-off, his parents were determined to send him to school.
By 1994, Zhang Jian graduated from high school. At that time, a high school diploma was quite significant and could have easily secured him a decent job.
However, Zhang Jian had different aspirations. Since childhood, he dreamed of joining the Chinese PLA, yearning to wear the green uniform that symbolized honor. His family supported his ambition and gave him advice to do his best before he left for the army.
In the military, Zhang Jian exemplified resilience, perseverance and diligence, setting high standards for himself. He excelled in every task assigned by his superiors, earning multiple medals of honor for his outstanding performance.
Years passed, and Zhang Jian eventually retired from the military with honor. The army offered him a favorable treatment of demobilized soldier package, arranging for him to work at the Forestry Bureau in his hometown. Employees of the Forestry Bureau were considered government officials, and at that time, becoming a civil servant meant having a secure job for life.
Grateful for the military's arrangement, Zhang Jian returned to his hometown with great confidence, ready to make significant contributions at the Forestry Bureau.
However, after returning to his hometown, Zhang Jian found himself waiting indefinitely for the eagerly anticipated notification from the local Forestry Bureau.
After a couple of months passed with no news, Zhang Jian grew restless. He took his demobilized soldier documents to the Forestry Bureau to inquire about the situation. The staff's response was unexpectedly cold and dismissive. They told him that the leadership was not present and asked him to come back in a few days.
Although disappointed, Zhang Jian had no choice but to go home and wait. A few days later, he returned to the Forestry Bureau, but the staff again told him that the office was too busy and asked him to wait longer. Observing the relaxed employees drinking tea in the office, Zhang Jian felt a mix of frustration and helplessness but could only leave without any progress.
For a long time, Zhang Jian made numerous visits to the Forestry Bureau, each time being met with various excuses and delays. The promise of a job could wait, but his family's need for food could not. Seeing no hope of getting the job, Zhang Jian, as the family's breadwinner, had to find work wherever he could.
He worked hard on construction sites from dawn to dusk, enduring the harsh living conditions and long working hours.
Despite the hardships, Zhang Jian never lost hope. He believed he would eventually secure a respectable job and work in the Forestry Bureau's office. In his spare time, he continued to inquire about the job, but each visit ended with the same response: wait a little longer.
Over time, Zhang Jian's hope faded. He stopped expecting to hear from the Forestry Bureau. Then, in 2005, when he had almost given up hope, he suddenly received a notification from the Forestry Bureau, instructing him to complete the necessary procedures and report to work.
Receiving this news filled Zhang Jian with mixed emotions. It had been seven or eight years since his discharge, and he finally heard something positive. The next day, he took a bath, put on clean clothes, and headed to the Forestry Bureau with high spirits. However, instead of welcoming smiles from colleagues, he was met with an overwhelming amount of work.
While his colleagues leisurely sipped tea, Zhang Jian found himself buried in tasks. When his colleagues left early in the evening, his desk remained piled with files. As a former soldier, he wasn't afraid of hard work or a busy schedule. What he couldn't accept was his meager monthly salary of just over 200 yuan, which was far from enough to support his family. Moreover, the various benefits and allowances he was supposed to receive never materialized.
Zhang Jian had to support his entire family, and the meager salary from the Forestry Bureau was far from sufficient. To prevent his family from suffering, he voluntarily resigned from the Forestry Bureau after working there for a while.
It took Zhang Jian many years of waiting to join the Forestry Bureau, but leaving took only ten minutes. The resignation process was so swift that Zhang Jian felt like the leadership had been waiting for him to quit all along.
After resigning, Zhang Jian focused entirely on earning money to support his family. In the following years, he traveled extensively and worked wherever he could, experiencing the harsh realities and kindness of the world.
In 2014, Zhang Jian was already middle-aged, and years of heavy manual labor had left him with numerous ailments, especially a stomach problem caused by irregular eating habits. This made him anxious about his future.
One day, while chatting with a friend about his future, his friend suggested, "You should get social security. Even though the amount they pay isn't much, at least it ensures we won't go hungry in the future."
Zhang Jian thought it made perfect sense, which led to the scene at the beginning of the story.
Zhang Jian discovered that, without his knowledge, 15 years of social security contributions had been made in his name. When the social security office staff told him that the Forestry Bureau had made these contributions, Zhang Jian immediately sensed something was wrong. Could someone have stolen his identity?
In fact, the staff at the social security office had the same suspicion. They informed Zhang Jian that in the later years, his social security contributions were made by the Emergency Management Bureau, implying that another "Zhang Jian" might currently be working there.
With this crucial information, Zhang Jian hurried to the Emergency Management Bureau to investigate anoter "Zhang Jian". To his surprise, he found his name listed there, but the photo showed a different face.
After some inquiries, he discovered that the staff at the Emergency Management Bureau did not actually know this "Zhang Jian." When he showed them the photo he had taken of "Zhang Jian," a staff member suddenly remembered.
It turned out that "Zhang Jian" had two names. While his official records showed "Zhang Jian," everyone in daily life called him Qiu Zhihao.
Upon hearing this strange explanation, Zhang Jian became even more certain there was a problem.
After leaving the Emergency Management Bureau, Zhang Jian began investigating Qiu Zhihao and found out that Qiu Zhihao was the beloved son of the principal of the local middle school, Principal Qiu, and had just turned 26.
Zhang Jian clearly remembered that the social security office staff had said "he" had been contributing to social security for 15 years, which meant the other person started receiving state benefits at the age of 11. This was utterly ridiculous.
At this point, Zhang Jian fully understood what had happened. When he returned to his hometown after his discharge from the military and reported to the Forestry Bureau with his documents, the bureau, in collusion with Principal Qiu, transferred his job opportunity to the then 11-year-old Qiu Zhihao.
Zhang Jian's assumption was entirely correct. Back then, Principal Qiu had manipulated connections to secure a position within the system for his son, thereby taking Zhang Jian's job.
It didn't stop there. The initial job notification Zhang Jian received from the Forestry Bureau was also orchestrated by Principal Qiu. Zhang Jian frequently went to the Forestry Bureau to inquire about his job status. Fearing that too much attention might expose their misconduct, Principal Qiu secretly instructed the Forestry Bureau to accept Zhang Jian temporarily.
However, Principal Qiu had ulterior motives. The reason Zhang Jian's job was so demanding and his salary so low was all part of a scheme by Principal Qiu and certain Forestry Bureau officials. They wanted Zhang Jian to quit on his own, thereby eliminating any potential risks.
Their plan worked. To support his family, Zhang Jian resigned from the Forestry Bureau, allowing Qiu Zhihao to enjoy over a decade of unearned government benefits.
But the long arm of the law eventually caught up with them. They never anticipated that Zhang Jian’s attempt to secure social security would expose their entire scheme.
Realizing the full extent of the situation, Zhang Jian was furious. His best years had been stolen by a group of thieves. He stormed into Qiu Zhihao’s office, laying bare the entire truth and declaring to everyone that he was the real Zhang Jian.
Perhaps used to arrogance, Qiu Zhihao remained indifferent even after being exposed, until Zhang Jian, in his rage, shouted that he would take legal action. Only then did Qiu Zhihao uncross his legs. He stood up, pointed a finger at Zhang Jian’s nose, and threatened viciously, “If you dare to sue, I’ll kill you.” He then called security to throw Zhang Jian out.
Zhang Jian did not yield. After leaving the Emergency Management Bureau, he went straight to the police station to report the matter. Although the police were outraged by his story, they informed him that regulations prevented them from handling such cases.
Ultimately, the officers advised Zhang Jian to take his case to court.
Following their advice, Zhang Jian began writing letters to report Qiu Zhihao’s identity theft while preparing his lawsuit. The issue soon escalated, spreading throughout the surrounding area. Under mounting pressure, Principal Qiu approached Zhang Jian, promising substantial financial compensation if he did not pursue the lawsuit.
Principal Qiu’s words only fueled Zhang Jian’s anger. Fifteen years of his life had been wasted due to Qiu’s abuse of power, and now he wanted to buy his way out? It was absurd.
Zhang Jian decisively rejected Qiu’s offer, declaring his intent to sue.
Upon hearing Zhang Jian’s refusal, Principal Qiu scoffed and warned, “Things aren’t as simple as you think,” before hanging up.
In truth, Principal Qiu wielded considerable influence. Under his covert interference, all of Zhang Jian’s complaint letters to the Discipline Inspection Commission vanished without a trace, and his court cases were repeatedly delayed for various reasons.
Despite his disappointment, Zhang Jian never gave up, determined to seek justice.
Finally, in 2020, a breakthrough occurred.
With the help of public opinion, the case caught the attention of higher authorities, who ordered a thorough investigation. In July 2020, the city court of Heze in Shandong Province, China, announced that several public officials involved in Zhang Jian’s case had been punished. Principal Qiu and his son, the main culprits, were dismissed from their working units and faced Chinese style administrative penalties.
Justice seemed ultimately served. But can delayed justice truly be called justice?
Installing Water Meters in Farmland
Installing Water Meters in Farmland
Currently, in many rural areas of China, irrigation water meters are being installed in fields under the guise of constructing high-standard farmland. Installing a water meter is now considered high-tech farming, which is quite remarkable. The installation of water meters in farmland and the use of tap water for irrigation are unprecedented innovations.
The first of these innovations is the upgrade of farmland quality, now using tap water. The second is the continuous source of revenue from water resource fees. The third, while seeming to promote water-saving irrigation, actually increases expenses for the farmers.
Installing irrigation water meters means that in the future, farmers will have to pay a certain fee for pumping water to irrigate their own fields. In the past, irrigation was exempt from water fees, and only electricity fees were paid. Last year, in some place, the fee was 0.135 yuan per cubic meter; this year, it's 0.395 yuan per cubic meter. Who knows what it will be in the coming years?
Farmers' income from farming has always been relatively meager. Now, with this additional irrigation water fee, it's uncertain whether the hard-earned crops will even cover the water costs. However, it does provide a way for those in need of money to get rich. It's quite amusing—the proponents of high-standard farmland make money, the approvers make money, the executors make money, the builders make money, and in the end, the farmers, whose grain prices are regulated by policies, face rising costs without a corresponding increase in prices. With costs continuously rising, farming becomes increasingly difficult. There are so many regulations and overseers, how can farming continue?
Is nature everyone's, or the CCP's? Previously, river water was used, now it's groundwater. Is this scientific? Tap water is not good for irrigating farmland because it contains bleach, which kills the bacteria and fungi in the soil. This mode, if continued long-term, will cause groundwater levels to continuously decline, eventually leading to depletion. Besides, the current water-saving irrigation model leads to a large amount of surface water evaporation. Without extensive flooding irrigation, the groundwater isn't replenished in time, increasing the risk of geological instability and natural disasters. Additionally, rainwater contains the microorganisms and nutrients needed by crops.
I believe that once capital targets agricultural water, it starts exploiting rural areas, using farmers' own resources to exploit them. Water reservoirs and rivers, initially built by farmers for irrigation, are now leased by capitalists who charge fees. If farmers can no longer farm, will the government reclaim the land and sell it to capitalized consortia? This suggests the government is making farmers unwilling to farm. If the goal is truly to encourage water conservation, why not set a quota for each acre per season, with exceptions for droughts, and cut off water once the quota is exceeded, instead of installing meters and charging farmers simply?
While energy conservation is understandable, are the people saving money? Isn't there supposed to be a focus on people's livelihoods? Farmers haven't gotten access to tap water, but their crops have. Is this really happiness? Although everything is claimed to be for safety, environmental protection, and resource conservation, the current situation indicates that high-standard farmland has turned into high-fee farmland.
I hope experts and scholars in agriculture, water resources, meteorology, and geology will fully consider and research this issue, coming up with a comprehensive solution. Otherwise, what will we leave for our descendants decades or centuries from now?
Personal Electric Bikes vs. Shared Electric Bikes
Personal Electric Bikes vs. Shared Electric Bikes
Recently, many cities in China have launched a campaign to inspect electric bikes, sparking public outrage: "How did my electric bike become an owner-less object?" The confiscation of electric bikes by traffic police has become a heated issue. Many citizens are complaining that their perfectly fine electric bikes were taken away, leaving them feeling aggrieved. People are questioning: Electric bikes are our private property, so how can they be taken away so casually?
The law is not just for show. Both the Constitution and the Civil Code clearly state that citizens' lawful private property is inviolable. This means that no organization or individual can arbitrarily take our property. Experts have also weighed in, suggesting that the government provide some compensation to those whose bikes were confiscated, such as 2,000 yuan per unit. This would not only show respect for citizens' private property rights but also help calm public anger. This suggestion seems reasonable and has received praise from many citizens.
However, some people support the inspection campaign, arguing that it is aimed at maintaining public safety and traffic order.
Why are electric bikes being confiscated? Ordinary people have come up with some possible reasons: The domestic market for electric bikes in China is saturated, and the export market is under pressure. With a decline in the ability of bike companies to generate foreign exchange, there is a need to stimulate domestic demand by expanding the domestic market. But since the market is already saturated, who will buy them? Officials have stepped in, highlighting the dangers of electric bikes, such as traffic disruptions, pedestrian safety hazards, and fire risks. As a result, traffic police and urban management officers have taken the lead, and with a single command, an army of 300,000 went from house to house, removing electric bikes, melting them down for scrap iron, and imposing fines. What's not to love about that?
Some believe that capitalists always find various reasons to exploit us. If there are issues with electric bikes, why not inspect the manufacturers instead of individuals? If you're checking for running red lights on electric bikes, I'm all for it. But inspecting already purchased bikes for compliance is questionable. Why are public service authorities serving the interests of capital monopolies? If a bike doesn't meet standards, the owner should be allowed to dispose of it themselves, even selling it for scrap for a few bucks.
Surprisingly, shared electric bikes have now entered the scene. These are incredibly profitable, with each ride generating revenue, creating wealth even more effectively than banks! It turns out that a family of three buying an electric bike for 2,000 yuan, while renting shared bikes for a year, would spend over 20,000 yuan!
Judging by the current situation, the deployment of shared electric bikes is not for the convenience of the public, but rather for greater profit. Shared electric bikes on the streets are not public property; they are the private property of capitalists and tools for making money. Shared electric bikes are a big trap, and it's easy to get caught if you're not careful.
Shared electric bikes are truly a "trap"! Last night, I tried to save money by riding one home, just six kilometers. But when I went to park it, I found I wasn't in a designated area. The nearest parking spot was over four kilometers away! How could I possibly go back? While I could choose not to park in the designated area, it would cost an extra ten yuan service fee. I was so angry! I'll never ride one of these "biting" machines again!
Sometimes, it's just so frustrating! This so-called non-parking zone is such a scam! There were bikes parked right next to it, but when it was my turn to park, it was suddenly outside the service area!
It's a trap, plain and simple. The whole system is designed to catch you. It's easy to take the bike, but returning it is a nightmare. If you can't return it within an hour, you have to pay another eleven yuan. If you do return it, you have to pay an extra ten yuan.
I only rode it once and never again because the navigation around the parking area kept sending me back and forth multiple times until I crossed another billing threshold. Only then did it let me go.
Shared electric bikes are the worst. Once, I had a malfunction during a ride, and since it wasn't at a parking spot, I couldn't return it. The bike kept charging me even after I reported the issue. I had no choice but to return it at a non-parking spot, which cost me a 15-yuan dispatch fee. And the worst part is, the app has no customer service number, just a useless AI chatbot! I really hope they go out of business soon.
The design of shared electric bikes is also purely for profit, not for the convenience of people's daily lives. The speed is capped at 20 km/h, and it costs 11.5 yuan per hour, which translates to 0.57 yuan per kilometer. If you ride for three hours a day, that's over a thousand yuan a month, and more than ten thousand yuan a year. How many people have that kind of money?
Additionally, transportation fees should be related to distance. Charging based on time compared to other modes of transport is shameless!
Are shared electric bikes always up to standard? Do they never have accidents? Can they not cause congestion? It's clear that the powerful capitalists say whatever suits them.
They don't care if we have jobs or food to eat, but they suddenly care about our safety. Any behavior that harms the interests of the majority of people cannot last long. Thus, shared electric bikes are destined to be a short-lived phenomenon.
If they hadn't mobilized hundreds of thousands of people under the cover of night to brazenly confiscate the public's electric bikes, would people retaliate like this? They introduced a large number of shared electric bikes, but these bikes have been subjected to widespread vandalism—seats slashed, QR codes scratched off, wires cut, wheels removed, and in some extreme cases, bikes thrown into rivers...
This involves directly entering residential areas to confiscate electric bikes. These are legally purchased, legally manufactured vehicles that people keep at home. On what grounds can they claim it's illegal and come to confiscate them?
Thoughts on Rickshaws in Beijing
Thoughts on Rickshaws in Beijing
Chinese people have a remarkable ability to adapt, sometimes bringing society back to its roots after reaching a certain stage of development. Rickshaws, a long-forgotten scene, have now resurfaced, bringing a sense of novelty.
While tricycles have been a means of survival for the lower class, today's understanding of them seems to have evolved with the times, adding more layers of meaning.
Some people appreciated it because rickshaws boast strong endurance and are very economical. With just two or three bowls of zhajiang noodles, one can run all day. Plus, there's no fear of DUI checks after drinking a bottle of beer or two shots of Erguotou.
The other people agreed that rickshaws are environmentally friendly, low-cost, noiseless, and accessible. They expand employment opportunities without the need for a driver's license, making them trendy and respectable.
Also, rickshaws fans found out that it is a great for fitness as well. Unlike electric bikes, cars, or motorcycles, they offer a way to exercise. If more people walked, rode rickshaws, or bicycles, obesity rates might decline.
For families with children, rickshaws can be used for school runs and earning some extra money in spare time, achieving multiple benefits at once.
The main issue observed is that rapid pedaling can stir up dust, which is not environmentally friendly. However, this issue can also be considered negligible.
I know a guy who only sleeps four hours a day and spends all his other time driving for Didi. I asked him why he works so hard. He said, "For people like us, born at the bottom with no support, how can we have a future if we don't work hard?"
To add to this, during the day, there are many Didi drivers, and new drivers with low ratings often can't get any orders as the higher-rated ones get priority. At night, there are fewer drivers, so many choose to drive in the early hours. Also, when driving for Didi at night and in the early morning, drivers often have to silently endure unreasonable passengers.
Never underestimate delivery workers. Delivery is a highly skilled profession:
Physical fitness: You need to be physically strong to withstand the daily grind of running around for more than ten hours.
Riding skills: You need excellent riding skills to navigate swiftly through the constant flow of people and vehicles.
Emotional intelligence: You need high emotional intelligence to get good reviews, minimize complaints, and avoid penalties.
Intelligence: You need a sharp mind to take more orders and earn a living.
Educational background: You need a solid educational background to avoid being replaced by unmanned intelligent delivery vehicles.
Doesn't woman love online shopping? Before online shopping became widespread, many people were small business owners. Now, ride-hailing drivers, freight drivers, food delivery workers, and couriers have become the common destinies for many husbands, brothers, and fathers. Only a few become bosses. Women are frantically spending money on online shopping while their husbands and brothers are working hard for the APP platforms!
We're not unemployed, we're flexibly employed
We're not unemployed, we're flexibly employed
According to the latest report by China Central Television, the number of flexibly employed people in our urban population has exceeded 200 million. Among them, over 100 million people are engaged in the following jobs, and this number is still growing.
China's triathlon: Didi drivers, food delivery, and couriers.
Then there's the jogging triathlon: security guards, auxiliary police, and traffic assistants.
Three treasures for middle-aged Chinese: nanny, security guard, and cleaner.
Three street overlords: roadside barbecue, hand-made lemon tea stands, and street haircuts.
In fact, everyone's life is not easy. We are all striving for a better life, hoping that everyone can live the life they want without having to rush around for a living.
To sum it up: Being born is easy, living is not easy, and making a living is even harder.
A pig never understands until its death that nature itself has no fences. Who set up the fences when they were piglets, making their minds no longer their own? Nature's gifts belong to all creatures in the world, not just to the pig's so-called "owner."
A pig never understands until its death that the reason its owner wants it to have more piglets is so the owner can make more money. This sad truth illustrates the hidden motives behind seemingly caring actions. It reminds us to critically assess the true intentions behind actions that appear kind, friendly, and benevolence.
Would It Become The Conquer Of The Conquer Of The World
Would It Become The Conquer Of The Conquer Of The World
According to the latest intra-party statistics from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, by the end of 2023, the total number of members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was 99.185 million.
Throughout the country, the CPC had 5.176 million grassroots organizations. The CPC has consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening its grassroots, continuously reinforcing its foundation, addressing weaknesses, and enhancing its organizational system to ensure strong execution. This has comprehensively strengthened the building of the party member team and fully leveraged the role of grassroots party organizations as fighting bastions and party members as exemplary pioneers, maintaining the party's vibrant vitality and strong combat effectiveness.
The structure of the party member team has been continuously optimized. By the end of 2023, there were 55.786 million party members with college education or above, accounting for 56.2% of the total. Female party members numbered 30.185 million, making up 30.4%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. Minority ethnic party members numbered 7.592 million, accounting for 7.7%, up 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. Workers and farmers still constituted the main body of the party membership, making up 33.0% of the total.
The education and management of party members have been continuously strengthened. Party organizations at all levels have extensively carried out themed education on studying and implementing Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, enhancing party member education and training. Throughout the year, 1.266 million training sessions were held, with 6.173 million grassroots party organization secretaries receiving centralized training by county-level and higher party committees.
The party's organizational life is strictly regulated. Leadership teams of 3,199 local party committees held democratic life meetings, and 4.443 million party branches held organizational life meetings and conducted democratic evaluations of party members. Additionally, 4.549 million party branches carried out the themed party day activities as required.
Intra-party recognition, incentives, and care have been effectively advanced. Various levels of party organizations commended 138,000 advanced grassroots party organizations, 693,000 outstanding Communist Party members, and 199,000 excellent party workers. Throughout the year, 795,000 "50 Years of Glory in the Party" commemorative medals were awarded.
Grassroots party organizations have been further consolidated and strengthened. Nationwide, there are 298,000 grassroots party committees, 325,000 general branches, and 4.554 million branches.
Solid progress has been made in promoting rural revitalization through party building. The team of village party organization leaders has been continuously strengthened, with 44.0% of the 488,000 village party organization secretaries holding college degrees or higher, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the previous year. The appointment and effective use of the first secretaries stationed in villages have been sustained, with 206,000 currently serving, covering 42.2% of all administrative villages nationwide.
The mechanisms for the party's leadership in grassroots governance have been further improved, strengthening the power of urban and rural community party building, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of party-led grassroots governance. The coverage of party organizations across various fields has been continuously consolidated and expanded, achieving new results in the party building work of government agencies, public institutions, enterprises, and social organizations, and continuously enhancing the political and organizational functions of grassroots party organizations.
Statistics show that the number of party members is steadily increasing year by year, indicating that the ideal of leading the world’s people to achieve communism is within reach.
Facing such huge numbers and strong powers, is it possible for them to become the conquer of the conquer of the world?
China's administrative divisions are classified into four levels: provincial-level administrative regions, city (prefecture)-level administrative regions, county-level administrative regions, and township-level administrative regions.
The Red Cross Foundation of China is distributed across these levels, with 2,860 county-level branches, 333 city-level branches, 33 provincial-level branches, and one national headquarters. There are 23.98 million full-time employees, and each department receives full financial funding from the government. Their tasks include disaster prevention, disaster reduction, and disaster relief. With so many people and such great power, it seems that the Chinese people can be free from the impact of disasters. Is it a right thing?
I believe this picture can evoke countless thoughts, but for me, I truly feel the helplessness, frustration, powerlessness, and speechlessness of Chinese farmers. Their situation seems to lack something essential. Their gazes appear to be searching for something, longing for something.
But in the end, all I can offer them is a sigh.
Sending educated youth to the countryside, bringing technology to the countryside, medical services to the countryside, talent to the countryside, home appliances to the countryside, cars to the countryside, culture to the countryside, and AI to the countryside... Recently, there has even been encouragement for police officers to move to the countryside.
It is said that China has more than 700,000 villages. People are beginning to wonder whether the current initiative of sending one police officer to each village will be like the previous "down to the countryside" campaigns, which were costly and labor-intensive, and then quickly faded away.
After the water level dropped, shared bikes could be seen lying quietly on the riverbed.
It is said that those who are unemployed, heartbroken, unloved, in a bad mood, or envious of others often engage in such acts.
Some believe that these shared bikes, which have swallowed billions in deposits, represent a fight between ordinary people and capitalist groups. This revolutionary action by the people seems to be all they are capable of.
The World's Most Shocking Slogan:
‘中国石油是党的中国石油，国家的中国石油，人民的中国石油’
"China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) belongs to the Party, belongs to the nation, and belongs to the people."
According to the official hierarchy, the Party is placed before the nation and the people.
This is because the Party comes first, then BUILT the nation, and only then can there be people. Therefore, everything belongs to the Party, including the people. Hence, the Party will always be placed before the nation and the people, always above the nation and the people.
Although nothing belongs to you, the Party still loves you, and you are still the masters of the country.
Following a seriously discord accident between doctors and patients in Wenzhou hospitals, Zhejiang, now across China have started taking various measures to ensure the safety of their medical staff. Henan Provincial People's Hospital has ramped up security checks and even assigned security personnel to patrol the premises.
This six-person team is well-equipped, representing the strongest security check yet! For hospitals, this means adding another item to the original expense list—security fees for medical treatment.
The patrolling team consists entirely of young men, some even wearing glasses. It's uncertain how they would react in a real crisis!
It's said that these young security guards earn between 3000 to 4000 yuan a month, working 12 hours a day, with no any insurance. If someone were to brandish a knife, it's doubtful that any of them would be willing to confront the threat head-on.
In fact, there are ways to resolve the doctor-patient conflicts: in the future, every household should send someone to medical school. This would certainly foster trust. It would solve the "medical ethics" issue and save money. They could use whichever medication is cheaper and skip unnecessary tests. Doctor-patient relations would be harmonious!
Otherwise, patients might have to wear "silver bracelets" before seeing a doctor. Once the treatment is complete and they leave the hospital, then the "HANDCUFFS" could be removed. This would undoubtedly ensure the safety of doctors.
The square in front of the Shanghai railway station originally had a long bench surrounding the greenery and trees. However, it has now been fitted with dense partitions. It's quite evident that this "brilliant idea" was intended to prevent homeless people from lying down and resting on the bench.
Guangxi's Liuzhou has also come up with a distinctive solution. Along Binjiang West Road, there's a long corridor where many homeless people tend to gather, causing issues for sanitation and city management. To address this problem, the authorities installed a dense array of plum blossom stakes under the corridor—an effort that clearly took a lot of careful thought.
In Guangzhou, to drive away the homeless, many areas under overpasses have been fitted with a layer of concrete spikes.
In Longhua District, Shenzhen, all the park benches have been fitted with barriers. Whether it's tired citizens wanting to lie down for a bit during the day or homeless people trying to use them as beds at night, it's absolutely forbidden. Anything that might disrupt the city's landscape is out of the question. At the Longhua Bus Station in Shenzhen, the authorities have installed a sprinkler system under the eaves that starts spraying water at night to prevent people from sleeping there.
At the bus stops along Renmin South Road in Chengdu, the newly installed benches are too narrow and slippery—"you can't even fit your butt on them." It's hard not to acknowledge the "genius" of the designer behind these benches. They're uncomfortable to sit on, let alone lie down on, and even leaning slightly is unpleasant. This is a perfect example of management thinking. The designers explicitly stated that the purpose was to prevent the benches from being used by the homeless, as making them too comfortable would encourage people to use them as beds.
There Is No Space For Tramp
There Is No Space For Tramp
In China, the homeless are often viewed by city administrators as a public nuisance. Since they can't be eliminated, the strategy has been to drive them away, preventing them from staying in the city. As a result, we see all sorts of strange and peculiar measures.
But perhaps we should look at this from a different perspective. The design of the benches in green spaces could be intended to maximize seating availability, ensuring that more people can sit down and rest rather than being occupied by a single person, which might inconvenience others. Alternatively, the railings on the benches might be an adaptation for an aging population, providing support for the elderly to help them stand up. The curved design of the bus stops might be to save space, especially at small bus stations where space is limited. And the spikes under bridges might be intended to prevent littering or illegal parking, rather than specifically targeting the homeless as some people suggest.
'm not homeless, but sometimes, when I'm tired after walking in the park, I also lie down on a bench to rest before continuing.
A city that lacks compassion and tolerance for the vulnerable projects an image that is nothing but cold steel and concrete, devoid of warmth.
In the early morning, "students" are already lining up outside the library doors. Chinese university students are known for their resourcefulness, which is evident in their daily campus life. One of the most memorable aspects of university life is undoubtedly the rush to secure seats. Some students arrive at the library as early as six in the morning to ensure they get a spot in the study room; even in classrooms, students vie for seats—those who want to study seriously scramble for the front rows, while those less interested in the lecture aim for the back. In any case, finding the perfect seat requires everyone's relentless effort. This phenomenon can be seen as both a distinctive feature and a source of amusement in university life.
Liu Jie and Liu Hongwei, two Chinese individuals who went to Russia as volunteers, tragically lost their lives on their first day. These men may have had some military experience from their time in the Chinese army, but they still ended up as cannon fodder within a day.
Many Chinese people who go to Russia to fight against Ukraine likely aren't driven by a sense of justice. Instead, they might be influenced by Chinese propaganda and nationalist rhetoric, which paints a picture of the Russian military having an overwhelming advantage and being on the brink of victory. They might think that by joining the fight, they can gain some honor by "helping a friend in need" and return home triumphantly. Some might even fantasize about finding a romantic partner along the way. Others may misunderstand Russia, believing that joining the foreign legion would result in special treatment on the front lines.
Sadly, these individuals' families are left to mourn. If they have to retrieve the bodies, the compensation they receive probably won't even cover the travel expenses.
A resident in Jianghan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, who had repeatedly lost several electric scooters, decided to hang his scooter outside his window. He explained that this approach has many benefits: during the day, it prevents law enforcement from confiscating his scooter; at night, he can rest assured without worrying about thieves stealing it; and he can also charge the scooter for free. With just a press of a button, the scooter can be lowered, ready to ride at any time.
In short, this bold and unique idea has made him feel more relaxed, saving his eyes, ears, electricity, time, and peace of mind.
In an increasingly complex social environment, here are some survival principles that Chinese people follow:
- Don't donate blood.- Don't donate money.- Don't meddle in others' affairs.
- Don't fall for bargains.- Don't help people who have fallen, especially the elderly.
- Don't buy stocks or lottery tickets.- Don't gather at crowded scenes.
- Don't dine out.- Don't trust the advice or suggestions of experts and professors.
- Don't believe advertisements—whatever they recommend, don't buy it!
- Don't take out loans or mortgages, and don't buy property.
- Don't comment on China's Olympic athletes.
- Don't pay attention to news about officials; their rise or fall has nothing to do with us.
- Don't sign an organ donation certificate.- Don't get vaccinated, especially against COVID-19.
- Don't buy the numerous types of insurance.- Most importantly, don't have a phone!
These lessons have been learned, often at great cost, by millions of Chinese people. If you can't proactively change, you must adapt passively—take care and cherish what you have now.
The logic behind civilization can indeed be frightening
Recently, an incident in Shandong province of China has sparked much attention and discussion. A woman named Li had a father who loved drinking since he was young, and perhaps due to the family environment, Li also developed a strong interest in alcohol. Her work even became related to alcohol. In her spare time, Li often studied the history and culture of alcohol, truly embodying the saying, "love the profession you are in." Through her efforts, Li accumulated a wealth of knowledge about alcohol culture, along with extensive connections and relationships in the industry.
Eventually, Li started her own business related to alcohol, such as collecting and trading. Over time, she amassed a large collection of valuable alcohol in her home, and her reputation in the circle grew, often attracting friends and industry insiders to visit her home to admire and taste the collection.
Upon inspection, authorities found that Li's home contained 1,523 bottles of white liquor and 664 bottles of wine. Officials stated that all these bottles would be confiscated, and Li would be fined 60,000 yuan. Li tried her best to explain that many of these bottles were not just hers but were also being managed for friends. She couldn’t understand why they needed to be confiscated.
The official response was that, first, it was a fire safety concern—flammable materials are not allowed to be stored in residential areas, and obviously, over two thousand bottles of alcohol were unsuitable to keep at home. Second, there were food safety concerns; Li's actions clearly fell under the category of commercial activity, and without the proper licenses, this was a violation.
Those magic logic made people begin to wonder about the official explanation: Are books and clothes not flammable? Are furniture items not flammable?
If the things in your home aren't really yours, what exactly are you supposed to defend if an invader comes?
Current issues in Chinese daily markets:
1. Tomatoes: As hard as apples, making it difficult to cook a simple tomato and egg dish. When cut open, they are hollow, as if the core has been removed.
2. Cucumbers: Appear fresh with blossoms and spikes, but lack any cucumber flavor when eaten.
3. Strawberries: Abnormally large and unnaturally red, yet lacking the natural sweet and sour taste.
4. Eggplants: Long and thick with a smooth surface, but the cooked dish has a strange texture.
5. Potatoes: Look plump and round, but start sprouting after purchased for a few days.
6. Green vegetables: The leaves are bright green, but they begin to rot shortly after being washed.
7. Pork: Appears to have a good color, but lacks the typical pork aroma when cooked.
8. Eggs: The shells are thick, but the yolks are pale, lacking the rich golden color of the past.
9. Fish: Swim energetically in water, but emit a strange smell once prepared at home.
10. Bananas: Look good on the outside but are hard and under-ripe inside.
11. Oranges: Have very thick skins with little fruit inside, and the juice is sparse.
12. Grapes: Temptingly arranged in bunches, but overly sweet, making one suspect they’ve been artificially sweetened.
13.Bean sprouts: Unnaturally thick with short roots, raising suspicions about growth-accelerating methods.
14. Ginger: Looks fresh on the outside, but having rotted when cut open.
15. Tofu: Looks white and tender but is crumbly and lacks the traditional firmness of tofu.
16. Garlic: Looks full and plump, but after just two days at home, it shrivels and begins to rot.
It's known that those who grow watermelons don't eat watermelons, those who grow strawberries don't eat strawberries, and those who grow cucumbers don't eat cucumbers...
Doing the Right Thing
After reading the inauguration oath of the Chinese Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau, something just doesn't feel right. Let's take a look at the content. The pledge goes:
- I promise not to engage in bribery or extortion.
- I will not accept gifts or money from the parties involved.
- I will not create false justifications.
- I will not repeatedly inspect enterprises or interfere with their normal daily business activities.
- I will not abuse my authority.
- I will not selectively enforce the law to deliberately make things difficult for others.
- I will not use my position for personal gain.
- I will not shield or protect illegal behavior.
- I will not falsify documents.
- I will not facilitate personal profits for the involved parties.
- I will not shirk responsibility or engage in bureaucratic red tape.
- I will not handle cases in violation of regulations or beyond the time limit.
Many netizens think that what should have been the basic mindset and behavior of government officials now needs to be explicitly forbidden. Isn’t this phenomenon a bit ridiculous?
No wonder some netizens joke that the most important line is still missing to those inauguration oath officials: "That's impossible."
Why Does the Chinese Government Restrict Access to Foreign Websites?
Why Does the Chinese Government Restrict Access to Foreign Websites?
According to the government's explanation, everything is done "for the people good interesting." For example, certain outside websites may contain "harmful information," posing security risks to the government, businesses, and individuals. Some foreign websites, for instance, may attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs by spreading comments that could undermine national stability or create internal conflict. Additionally, many foreign hackers seek personal gain by illegally stealing information from Chinese companies and individuals, potentially causing significant financial loss to both.
National statistics show that the country suffers substantial financial losses due to internet-related issues each year. It is believed that restricting illegal access to foreign websites helps prevent and reduce such losses.
So, why are 1.4 billion people on one network, while the other 6 billion people are on another? Why are they unafraid of our content, but we fear theirs? Is it that we can't let the fish in the tank know there's an ocean outside, or that the birds in the cage shouldn't know there's a sky beyond?
In our village, to keep a donkey focused on grinding at the mill, we have to block its ears, cover its eyes, muzzle it, and whip it whenever it acts out of line. Plus, we make sure the donkey doesn't leave the village. People discovered that the outside environment does, in fact, affect the donkey's mood, creating trouble and losses for the villagers.
The Commercialization of Chinese Higher Education: College Students Are Someone Wealth
A university student, after months of unsuccessful job hunting, made a shocking statement: "What society truly needs isn't college graduates, but universities. It's college students who support universities and a large group of people, yet most students can't even support themselves."
We, the freshly minted out graduates, are like innocent lab rats thrown into a gigantic maze.
One classmate learned programming skills, but during an interview, he was asked if he could make coffee. He said no, and that was the end of the interview. Another classmate found a job as part of a company’s “atmosphere team,” responsible solely for clapping during meetings.
The result of the commercialization of Chinese education is that in the past, that is, before commercialization, universities supported students, but now students support universities. The expansion of university admissions is just about selling diplomas, with the sole purpose of making money. This expansion doesn't solve employment issues; it's about using students to sustain the institutions.
Today's students are solving various issues—rental problems for shops around the campus, employment within the education system, book and bookstore sales, transportation industry employment, the food industry, tutoring and training programs, e-commerce platform sales, and internet traffic for communication platforms. They've even solved product sales for condom manufacturers. Yet, they can't solve their own employment problem.
Although the photo is still, it hides a thousand sorrows
The unique characteristic of socialism with Chinese features is: Government officials are the servants of the people, and the people are the masters of the country. First, let some people get rich, and then they will help others get rich too.
From the photo, if the body sizes of the masters and servants were swapped, the people of the country would be happy. Looking at it now, the elderly are skin and bones because there are parasites beside them. The servants have drained the blood and flesh that originally belonged to the masters.
Buying a house brings temporary joy, but paying off the loan brings lifelong poverty
What's terrifying now isn't the price of housing, but the loan itself. For a 1 million yuan mortgage, the monthly payment over 30 years is 4,800 yuan. Of this amount, only 30% goes toward the principal, while 70% is interest. In other words, when you’ve paid back 100,000 yuan, 70,000 of it is interest, and only 30,000 is toward the actual loan.
This is yet another example of China’s ingenuity, crafting a clever way to profit from its own people. Just think about how a single bank counter can support 10 to 20 staff members, and you'll understand how high their profits must be.
Yet, you still have to thank the bank. Without it, you probably wouldn't be able to buy a house in your lifetime.
Is traveling about spending money on your eyes or your feet?
Is traveling about spending money on your eyes or your feet?
Zhangjiajie, a once-dreamy tourist destination in Hunan Province, China, is now causing an uproar with its "bizarre" ticketing policy. A once-unified scenic area has been split into more than 20 smaller attractions, each requiring a separate ticket. It's like shopping for vegetables—except this time, it's not by the pound, but by the attraction. To see everything in Zhangjiajie, you'd have to spend over 3,500 RMB per person, which could completely drain your wallet.
One netizen sarcastically commented, "This isn't tourism, it's a test of who has a rich dad!" And it’s true—3,500 RMB for tickets alone is an astronomical price for the average worker. For a family of three, just the tickets would cost over 10,000 RMB, not to mention food, lodging, and transportation. It's practically extortionate.
To be honest, this fragmented fee model greatly impacts the tourist experience. Imagine you’ve made it halfway up the mountain, only to realize you need to buy another ticket to go on next science—how frustrating would that be?
Worse yet, this practice artificially divides a natural landscape, ruining the overall viewing experience. It’s like watching a movie but having to stop every ten minutes to buy another ticket—who could stand that?
Seeing Zhangjiajie’s approach leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Natural scenery belongs to everyone, so why should a ticket stand in the way of people enjoying it? When we can’t even afford to explore our own country’s beautiful landscapes, something feels very wrong.
We shouldn’t turn nature’s gifts into luxury items. The goal of the tourism industry should be to allow more people to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of our country. That’s the real direction it should be heading.
That said, the scenic area does have its struggles. Insiders reveal that Zhangjiajie's tourism project lost over 60 million RMB in the first half of the year! It’s shocking—tickets are so expensive, and yet the area is still losing money?
景点：Attraction; 成人价：Adult Price; 老人/小孩：Elder/ Child Price
Encountering such a situation is the beginning of a test of human nature
Encountering such a situation is the beginning of a test of human nature
If you help the old man who fell down, their family will never let you go! If you call the police about the fell down old man, the police will keep bothering you for something! If you call an ambulance, the hospital will keep following you up! If you take a photo, the city management will be never over on your case! If you walk away, you'll struggle with your own conscience endlessly.
Due to a remark made by a Chinese judge: "If you didn't hit them, why did you help them?"—now in China, there are two key conditions for helping an elderly person who has fallen. First, you must be very wealthy. Second, you must have a lot of free time.
On the Importance of RMB
On the Importance of RMB
1 RMB can make someone go out of their way to post a fake glowing review with pictures.
10 RMB can motivate a delivery driver to brave rain and snow to deliver food.
100 RMB can get a grown man to carry a refrigerator up the stairs.
3,000 RMB can make a university student take a job they don’t want.
5,000 RMB can reveal the true nature of your friends.
10,000 RMB can make relatives turn against you.
200,000 RMB in dowry can end a long-term relationship.
300,000 RMB is the compensation a private mine owner gives for a miner's life.
3 million RMB will make you see constant smiles from others.
5 million RMB everything you say is right.
Money isn’t everything, but without it, nothing works. Money can solve 99% of problems, and for the remaining 1%, you just need more money.
After the global infection, many people have been left with lingering symptoms. Let’s see if you have any of these:
1.Loss of smell: Used to have a “super nose” that could detect any scent, but now, nothing.
2. Reduced stamina: Feeling unusually tired, easily winded after light activity, and sore after a short walk.
3. Memory decline: Forgetting things right after they’re mentioned.
4. Poor sleep quality: Often tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
5. Easily feeling down: Feeling irritated or gloomy for no apparent reason.
6. Reduced appetite: Food doesn’t taste as good as it used to.
7. Unexplained itching all over the body.
8. Difficulty focusing: Frequently getting distracted while trying to concentrate.
9. Persistent throat discomfort: A constant dry cough or itchy throat.
10. Eye strain: Eyes get sore quickly after looking at things for a short time.
11. Rougher skin: Skin isn’t as smooth as it once was.
12. Joint pain: Particularly noticeable on rainy days.
13. Heart racing with slight activity.
14. Extreme sensitivity to temperature changes: A bit of cold or heat feels unbearable.
15. Increased hair loss: A handful of hair comes out at once.
16. Slower recovery: Even small wounds take a long time to heal.
17. Immune system issues: Such as frequent hives.
18. Diminished taste: Salt levels don’t seem to make a difference.
19. Increase in lung nodules: More cases of this are being observed.
In short, these lingering feelings have largely been ignored by our government, and people are left to cope with them on their own.
Magic and dangerous
Since ancient times, there has been no invention as miraculous as the mobile phone. With its amazing functions, the mobile phone has rendered many high-tech products obsolete, such as cameras, televisions, wallets, watches, flashlights, maps, landline phones, calculators, alarm clocks, radios, game consoles, newspapers and magazines, MP3s, MP4s, tape recorders, compasses, fax machines, and DVDs... and it's still eliminating things you wouldn't expect. The mobile phone has truly become more powerful; it has boosted the eyewear industry and rendered some thieves unemployed, but it has also given rise to more scammers.
The mobile phone has changed our way of life. If you can't control it, it can become very dangerous, as it can also ruin your life.
This bus stop design is truly exceptionally creative—both practical and aesthetically pleasing. But is it possible that it's installed the wrong way?
Judging by this person's attire, we can conclude the following: first, they might be an official; second, a Chinese Communist Party’s Secretary; third, a wealthy person; and fourth, an expert. However, one thing is certain: he is definitely not a migrant worker or an ordinary citizen.
Is This A Recruitment Or A "Missing Person" Ad
Is This A Recruitment Or A "Missing Person" Ad
In China, jobs with official "establishment" status are considered prestigious. This is why so many college students are fervently competing for such roles, with this demand only growing each year.
Different positions have varying requirements for recruitment, especially when it comes to the "notes" section. For some roles, the notes are so specific that it feels as if they’re custom-tailored for a particular candidate — almost to the point of including an ID number. With such precise criteria, these job postings resemble "missing person" announcements.
Recently, a university student in Shandong, while searching for positions in the provincial civil service exams, stumbled upon a job listing that seemed tailored for a specific individual, based on exceptionally precise requirements for the candidate’s background. Here’s a sample from the notes:
"Since 2011, students from our city who represented us in national and provincial competitions and achieved a top-three finish; placed second in the Provincial School Sports Competition and first in the Provincial Youth Annual Competition; and graduated with an accredited degree or higher from institutions like the City Sports School, Tianshui Normal University, or similar."
With such exacting criteria, there’s almost no need to make an effort to compete— the position seems like it's hand-delivered to a particular candidate. No wonder other students are responding with comments like: “Why not just write the candidate's full name and ID number so everyone else can rest easy?” Others compare it to "laser scanning" or "satellite navigation," implying a level of precision akin to cutting-edge technology.
It’s startling how blatantly obvious some postings cater to specific individuals, even under nationwide scrutiny. For a fortunate few, such as candidates from well-connected families, it seems their fate is seamlessly aligned with these competitive roles — as if they were "born for it."
Why not use robots to replace them?
Why not use robots to replace them?
They don’t grow a single grain, yet enjoy abundant food; they don’t sweat a drop, yet live in grand, lavish houses. They claim to offer salvation to all, but without money, they won’t even allow you to light incense; they claim to bless others, yet are unable to escape financial ruin themselves. They perform blessings and rituals, but in reality, they are only scamming people for money, wealth, and even for their desires from women.
Are they really detached from the world? Have they truly cut off worldly attachments? Is it really a pure land beyond the dust? Are they really devoted to Buddhism? Or is it merely a guise under which they continue to pursue other desires?
In that case, robots could very well do those for people. So, why not to use robots to replace them.
Although there are cameras everywhere on the streets of China, most people still prefer to install security grilles outside their homes. This way, it serves as both a theft deterrent and a way to expand the usable space. However, one wonders whether there are any safety risks associated with this.
The people who come here to cast their fishing rods are not really fishing for fish; they are fishing for solitude, for the true meaning of life.
Chinese college students are enthusiastic about obtaining a government-related "bianzhi" (established post). Do you know the four major types of "bianzhi" in China?
Chinese college students are enthusiastic about obtaining a government-related "bianzhi" (established post). Do you know the four major types of "bianzhi" in China?
1.Administrative Posts (行政编): Positions like civil servants, which come with fixed salaries, bonuses, performance-based pay, and various subsidies.
2.Institutional Posts (事业编): Jobs in public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and libraries.
3.Central or State-Owned Enterprises (央国企): Roles in major central or state-owned enterprises like China Tobacco, China Mobile, and China National Petroleum.
4.Military Posts (军队): Positions within the military or related units.
These four types of posts are characterized by stability, high salaries, and guaranteed income regardless of economic conditions.
For recent graduates, the "ultimate goal" is often securing a bianzhi position, and the pinnacle of these positions is becoming a civil servant, classified under the first type of administrative posts.
Having a civil servant identity means being able to afford a mortgage, having capable to get married, no having burden to raise children, and facing health issues without financial worries. Who wouldn’t want such a stable and desirable job?
The True Essence of Hardship
The True Essence of Hardship
Suffering through hardship leads only to more hardship; as long as you endure it, the hardships seem endless. The only way to truly live a more challenging life is to willingly face difficulty. Those who accept hardship are unafraid of it; those who avoid it may face even greater struggles later in life.
Better to endure hardship early than to struggle later. Is it fate that’s cruel, or is life itself just arduous? If you're not afraid of hardship, you might endure it for a limiting years; if you fear it, you may endure it for a lifetime.
The key is realizing early that enduring hardship doesn’t mean overexertion, sleepless nights, or sheer physical labor. True hardship is about extraordinary self-discipline and the ability to think independently. Only by enduring the long-term challenge of focusing on your goals can you unlock the true meaning of your life.
Why can't workers in Chinese factories implement an eight-hour workday?
Why can't workers in Chinese factories implement an eight-hour workday?
Many employers believe that overtime can generate more profit. After all, workers' base wages are relatively low, and paying double wages for overtime is simpler and more direct than improving overall work efficiency or fostering innovation. Even though overtime pay is twice the regular wage, the actual amount is not significant due to the low base salary, making employers willing to require workers to work overtime.
Surprisingly, many workers also tend to prefer overtime. Imagine if they strictly adhered to an eight-hour workday: their monthly salary might only cover basic living expenses. Although overtime is exhausting, it provides additional income to improve their quality of life. For many workers with financial burdens, this becomes a necessary consideration.
Overtime seems to bring benefits and profits to employers while providing workers with extra income—shouldn’t this be a perfect two-way choice?
The Real-Life "Art of War"
The Real-Life "Art of War"
The Art of War, authored by the ancient Chinese thinker and strategist Sun Tzu, is celebrated as a masterpiece of military strategy and philosophy. Its timeless insights offer wisdom about life and tactics. However, in today’s world, where fortunes are more often made through speculation than hard work, some have innovated their own version of a modern "Art of War."
This contemporary "Art of War" goes like this:
The grandson runs the e-commerce business, the grandfather serves as the legal representative, the profits go to the grandson, and the grandfather serves the jail time.
In simple terms: the grandfather is the registered legal representative of the company, while the grandson neither holds a legal title nor shares in the company. Profits earned by the business are transferred to the grandfather’s personal bank account and then withdrawn as cash by the grandson who uses the cash to buy gold bars. Legally, how can a court prove whether the gold bars are in the grandson’s possession or hidden under the grandfather’s bed? If the grandfather stays silent and willingly serves jail time, the case becomes unsolvable. And if the grandfather’s health deteriorates, he could be released on medical parole.
Even for the civil service background checks, current regulations only investigate three generations. This means that the grandson’s child remains unaffected.
Though it may be tough on the grandfather, the old saying rings true: The bold prosper, while the timid starve. The real beneficiary is the family. By sacrificing one person, an entire household is supported. The grandfather’s "sacrifice" becomes a legendary act of devotion.
It’s said that this kind of "battle strategy" is still quite prevalent in modern-day China’s business cycles.
Facing such figure, looking for a Job or a Lifeline?
Facing such figure, looking for a Job or a Lifeline?
Finding employment has become incredibly challenging for today's college graduates. The job market feels like a battlefield, with countless graduates vying for limited opportunities. They face issues like industrial overcapacity, an oversupply of labor, and excessive levels of education.
The best prospects are to pursue graduate studies or civil service positions, but these paths are highly competitive. Of the 13 million graduates, over 4 million take postgraduate exams, and only a little over 1 million are admitted. Similarly, millions scramble to take exams for government or public institution jobs, but there are only about 1 million positions available.
What about the remaining 10+ million graduates? They are flooding the job market, where competition is so fierce that it feels like a living hell.
In response to the widespread concern over graduate employment, multiple departments have suggested integrating over 10 million college graduates into the domestic service industry. The plan is specific: women can take up roles as domestic helpers, while men can work as security guards. According to their statistics, the demand for domestic service workers in China is expected to reach over 20 million by 2024 and the future.
This means that, officially, China does not have a college graduate unemployment problem.
While this approach might alleviate some pressure on the employment situation, doesn’t it leave a bitter taste? For today’s college graduates, the harsh reality is that instead of merely looking for jobs, they are essentially searching for a lifeline.
These words of the elderly are very accurate. If you compare them to your own life, you'll find they really apply in your some points.
These words of the elderly are very accurate. If you compare them to your own life, you'll find they really apply in your some points.
Gambling – creates enemies.
Prostitution – creates thieves.
Drunkenness – creates failures.
Laziness – creates poverty.
Greed – creates criminals.
Narrow-mindedness – creates petty people.
Vanity – creates false people.
Jealousy – creates evil people.
Selfishness – creates loneliness.
Impulsiveness – creates disasters.
Arrogance – creates madness.
Naivety – creates fools.
Indulgence – creates rebellious children.
Unfiliality – creates the wicked.
Greed – creates defeat.
Hypocrisy – creates treachery.
Anger – creates violence.
Obsession – creates eccentricity.
Stubbornness – creates narrow-mindedness.
Cowardice – creates fear.
Dishonesty – creates treason.
Love for ease – creates laziness.
Talkativeness – creates annoyance.
Heartlessness – creates coldness.
Lack of righteousness – creates cruelty.
Greed for sex – creates delusion.
Impetuosity – creates restlessness.
Anxiety – creates sorrow.
Negativity – creates despair.
Forlornness– creates anger.
Loving others – creates nobility.
Prioritizing profit – creates betrayal.
Lack of money – creates loss of humanity.
This is the wisdom of good elders. Look more, think more, do more, complain less, hate less, regret less—this is enough for a lifetime.
A grandmother from China shared this with me:
A grandmother from China shared this with me:
Sheep graze on hundreds of plants but avoid hemp.
Cattle chew all kinds of grass but won’t touch tea leaves.
Chickens peck at grains but fear spicy foods.
Ducks swim in many waters yet avoid oil.
Pigs eat everything but dislike bitter mugwort.
Horses run thousands of miles but fear poisonous hemlock.
Rabbits nibble on leaves but dodge anything thorny.
Cats catch mice but loathe onions.
Dogs sniff out scents but dread Sichuan pepper.
Pigeons land everywhere but avoid alcohol.
Sparrows pick grains but fear sour fruits.
Geese fly high yet shun stinky trees.
Frogs live by ponds but avoid arsenic.
Snakes slither through grass but bypass senna.
Fish swim in shallow waters yet avoid pollution.
Crabs scuttle through sands but stay away from tung oil.
Shrimp frolic in clear streams but avoid medicine dregs.
Bees gather nectar from flowers but steer clear of pesticides.
Butterflies flutter among blooms but fear thick smoke.
Ants crawl in corners but dodge camphor.
Cicadas sing on high branches but fear sticky traps.
Bats dwell in dark caves but dislike bright lights.
Martens dash through forests but avoid traps.
Deer roam the mountains but avoid noisy chaos.
Foxes hide in hills but fear hunting dogs.
Storks stand in shallow waters but won’t touch rotten meat.
Eagles soar through the skies but avoid fire.
Quails nest in grass but fear sudden noises.
Camels walk the desert but fear sandstorms.
Gibbons howl in valleys but fear hunters’ guns.
Tigers eat many animals but never their young.
Officials can have many fears but never grow tired of lust.
Bureaucrats may avoid various temptations but never tire of money.
Ordinary folks riding electric bikes on the streets? They fear the police!
Nowadays, young people in China dare not marry, have children, fall ill, rest, or even quit their disliking jobs. This isn’t living—it’s a game of survival.
Grandmother's wisdom is truly profound, a treasure worth remembering and learning from.
Why do wrongful convictions and injustices in China only happen to ordinary people?
Why do wrongful convictions and injustices in China only happen to ordinary people?
You have a gun, I have a gun, so we talk about the law. You have a knife, I have a knife, so we talk about rules. You are unarmed, I am unarmed, so we talk about reason.
If you have a gun while I only have a knife, then the truth is in your hands. If you have a gun and I am unarmed, then my life is in your hands.
Ordinary people in China have no leverage to make themselves strong: no guns, no knives, no money, and not even the right to speak.
In the end, countless wrongful convictions and injustices happen to ordinary people. For example, if you criticize a local official, they might label you mentally ill and send you to a psychiatric hospital. If you demand wages from an employer who owes you, they accuse you of "malicious wage demands," but there’s no concept of "maliciously withholding wages."
According to media reports, a 60-year-old rural woman was recently fined an exorbitant 100,000 yuan by the Market Regulation Bureau of Dafeng District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, just for selling lamb from her own livestock and earning a profit of 180 yuan at the market.
It seems that on the road to pursuing the utmost fairness in the law for everybody, we truly see no end in sight.
In the past, without the internet, everything was a myth. Now, with the internet, everything is a joke.
Recently, Zhang Weiwei, the Dean of the China Institute at Fudan University, stated that if U.S. President Donald Trump wants to revive the economy, the only real help he can get is from China.
Zhang Weiwei is a distinguished professor at Fudan University, Dean of the China Institute at Fudan University, and a doctoral supervisor.
Zhang made this statement during the program This Is China while discussing the topic of U.S. "regime change" with Professor Huang Renwei, Executive Vice Dean of the Belt and Road Global Governance Institute at Fudan University.
Zhang Weiwei remarked that Trump can only rely on China to fix the economy. The reason is that, although the U.S. has the best designs, it can only turn them into industries with China's help. The problems facing American industries can truly be solved only with China's assistance. However, whether China helps, to what extent, or whether it chooses not to help at all, is entirely China's decision. While it is not impossible for Trump to realize this, he is, after all, a businessman by nature. He likes to bluff, make outrageous demands, and intimidate others before negotiating and bargaining.
One can only wonder what the soon-to-be President of the United States, Mr. Trump, would think after reading the arguments of a prominent scholar from a prestigious Chinese university!
It really is two different matters
It really is two different matters
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is currently the world’s first national-level expo focused on imports.
The Import Expo provides a platform for businesses from various countries to showcase and trade their goods, reduces the cost of international trade transactions, and promotes investment convenience, trade prosperity, and technological development. It embodies the idea of China sharing development opportunities with the world and fosters the shared prosperity of the global economy.
However, regarding the latest regulations on the duty-free limits for personal items sent into or out of China through customs is clearly as following:
For items mailed into China from abroad, Chinese customs impose corresponding value limits. For items mailed to or from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, the limit per shipment is 800 RMB; for items mailed to or from other countries and regions, the limit per shipment is 1,000 RMB. If the value of mailed items exceeds the prescribed limit, they must either be returned or go through customs clearance procedures as goods. However, if a package contains only one indivisible item that is confirmed by customs to be for personal use, it may be processed under personal item regulations.
For example, the two pens I recently purchased from a German website were taxed 57.7 RMB by customs, plus a handling fee of 10 RMB.
In other words, the Import Expo is the Import Expo, and taxation is taxation.
In China, becoming a civil servant is almost every graduating university student's dream. Regardless of the student's own qualities, if any of their family members engage in any of the following behaviors, it could render their political background check unsuccessful, directly shattering their dream:
1.Spreading politically erroneous remarks or writing, compiling, publishing, or disseminating articles or works with political errors.
2.Having been subjected to criminal punishment, re-education through labor, compulsory education, or administrative detention.
3.Being under investigation or processing for suspected violations or illegal activities, or currently being investigated, prosecuted, or tried.
4.Having been dismissed from public office, ordered to resign, expelled from school, expelled from the Communist Party, placed under Party discipline, or expelled from the Communist Youth League for serious errors.
5.Having tattoos associated with organized crime, criminal gangs, damage to the national image, or social morality.
6.Maintaining close relations with individuals overseas or abroad with complex political backgrounds or politically suspicious activities.
7.Having participated in cult organizations or activities, or being a key member of an illegal organization.
8.Committing crimes that endanger national security.
9.Sympathizing with or supporting illegal organizations or activities through words or actions.
10.Listening to or watching foreign reactionary broadcasts, TV programs, or other media, disseminating reactionary propaganda or obscene materials, or being ideologically influenced and unable to distinguish right from wrong.
11.Engaging in theft, fighting, drunken disorderly conduct, or other misconduct.
12.Participating in religious organizations or engaging in superstitious activities.
13.Living away from their local area for an extended period, making it difficult to assess their real behavior.
14.Expressing dissatisfaction with the CCP and the country's policies, principles, or socialist system through words or actions.
15.Joining illegal organizations advocating ethnic separatism.
It is said that compared to the past practice of political background checks spanning three generations, the current practice is considered an improvement.
Some food producers in China are well aware that the Chinese public lacks trust in their domestic food safety authorities. Therefore, to increase the credibility and sales of their products, they often use certifications from foreign authoritative agencies to encourage domestic consumers to purchase their goods. However, it raises the question: do these so-called foreign authoritative agencies truly exist? If they do exist, have they actually issued these certifications?
Every Person in China is a Millionaire
The legalization of organ transplantation in China began on May 1, 2007, when the "Regulations on Human Organ Transplantation" were officially implemented. The promulgation of this regulation marked the entry of China's human organ transplantation work into a legal and standardized track.
Additionally, on October 20, 2023, the 17th executive meeting of the State Council passed the "Regulations on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation," which will come into effect on May 1, 2024. The new regulation added the word "donation," further emphasizing the importance of voluntary, unpaid donations and promoting the development of organ donation efforts.
The regulations emphasize that organ donation and transplantation must adhere to the principles of voluntariness and non-compensation. No organization or individual may coerce, deceive, or incentivize others to donate organs. Citizens have the right to independently decide whether to donate their organs, and they can express this intention in writing or in a will. Organ transplant doctors are prohibited from participating in the determination of a donor's death to ensure fairness and legality in the process. Relevant institutions must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the information of both donors and recipients to protect personal privacy.
A kidney can be sold for 30 Apple iPhone 16s. It seems that China's legalization of organ transplantation truly makes everyone a millionaire. If one has tired of themselves life, there is an opportunity for them to leave some wealth to their loved families before passing away. It seems a worthwhile thing.
The question is whether to focus on researching animal organ alternatives, or encouraging human donations, or developing artificial organs. Where should resources be invested in the development of organ transplantation? This is an important issue.
Interesting Aspects of China’s Social Pension Insurance
Interesting Aspects of China’s Social Pension Insurance
Starting from January 1, 2025, the retirement age will be gradually delayed. The retirement age for men will gradually increase from 60 to 63 years old, while for women, it will gradually increase from 50 and 55 to 55 and 58 years old.
At the same time, according to the progressive statutory retirement age delay plan, from January 1, 2030, the minimum contribution period for employees to pay their basic pensions on a monthly basis will be gradually extended from 15 years to 20 years, increasing by six months each year.
This news does not affect workers with stable employment in formal enterprises, as their social security contributions are mostly covered by their employers, with companies bearing two-thirds of the costs. For them, a longer contribution period and delayed retirement mean they will receive higher pension payments in the future. However, the situation is different for flexible workers, who do not have employers to share their social security contributions. With increasing financial pressure, many fear that the number of flexible workers opting out of the pension system may rise in the future.
However, flexible workers who choose to withdraw from the pension system cannot receive a full refund. Once they decide to exit, they can only get back 40% of their contributions, while the remaining 60% is transferred to the social security fund pool.
China’s social pension insurance consists of personal accounts and a pooled account. For enterprise employees, the personal account is funded through deductions from their wages, while the pooled account is funded by employer contributions. If an insured individual decides to stop contributing and wants to withdraw their funds, they can only reclaim the money in their personal account, while the funds in the pooled account remain in the social security fund pool.
Why can flexible workers only get back 40%? When flexible workers enroll in the pension system, they must cover both their own contributions and the portion that would normally be paid by an employer. For example, if they contribute 1,000 yuan per month, 40% of that goes into their personal account, while 60% goes into the pooled account. If they withdraw from the system, they can only reclaim the 40% in their personal account, while the 60% that has already entered the pooled account cannot be refunded. This means that if they contribute 1,000 yuan per month, they can only get back 400 yuan, while the remaining 600 yuan stays in the social security fund. Therefore, withdrawing from the system is highly disadvantageous for flexible workers.
The Pension Fund "Big Pool" and the Three-Tiered Retirement System
Thanks to the existence of this social security fund "big pool," pensions in China are divided into three distinct levels: retired government officials, ordinary urban retirees, and elderly rural farmers. The income gap among these groups is staggering and worth deep reflection.
1. Retired Government Officials
This group consists of approximately 20.8 million people, with an average annual pension of 83,700 yuan, totaling 1.741 trillion yuan.
2. Ordinary Urban Retirees
There are about 137 million ordinary urban retirees, with an average annual pension of 30,200 yuan, totaling 4.1436 trillion yuan.
Although their pensions are significantly lower than those of retired government officials, the most striking figures come from the next group.
3. Elderly Rural Farmers
There are 164.64 million elderly farmers, but their average annual pension is only 2,400 yuan, with a total payout of 395.1 billion yuan.
This stark contrast is deeply disheartening—the pension for retired government officials is over 100 times that of rural farmers.
Reflections on the System
Currently, China’s social security system provides stability and security for some, but the vast pension disparity among retirees raises concerns about fairness. Many elderly individuals, who are no longer contributing to society, find themselves questioning the justice of such a system.
Should education background, workplace, and regional differences result in such vast discrepancies in pension benefits? Ideally, every individual should have access to a fair and equitable retirement system, ensuring dignity and financial security for all, regardless of their background.
The Recruitment Review of Soldiers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army
The Recruitment Review of Soldiers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army
The political review of soldiers joining the Chinese People’s Liberation Army primarily involves several aspects: First, political stance and moral character. This review checks whether the applicant supports the leadership of the Communist Party of China, loves the socialist motherland, and has good moral character and ethical standards. The focus is on examining the applicant’s political background, social relationships, and behavior on significant political issues. If the applicant or their immediate family members have a criminal record, have participated in illegal organizations, or engaged in activities that endanger national security, it will usually affect the political review outcome.
Family background and social relationships are also important components of the review. The review team will investigate the applicant’s family members and key social relations to understand their political background, professions, and social conduct. This is to ensure that the applicant’s family environment and social relationships do not adversely affect their ability to fulfill duties after joining the military.
Personal integrity records are also a significant part of the review. This includes the applicant’s academic performance, work experience, and credit history. Particularly, negative actions in the credit history, such as overdue loans or credit card defaults, may be seen as integrity issues, influencing the review outcome. The military requires new recruits to possess a high sense of responsibility and integrity, so this aspect of the review is very strict.
As for the time required for the political review process, it generally varies depending on the region and specific circumstances. Typically, the initial review process may take several days to a week. This includes submitting relevant materials, filling out questionnaires, and conducting preliminary checks. Afterward, the review team will conduct a more detailed background investigation, including visiting the applicant’s residence, school, or workplace to verify the information provided. This stage could take one to two weeks.
During the entire review process, the applicant must cooperate actively, provide truthful and complete information, and maintain communication with the review team. If issues arise during the process, the applicant may be asked to provide additional materials or explanations, which could extend the review time.
In summary, the recruitment review is a complex and detailed process, covering the applicant's political stance, family background, social relationships, and personal integrity. The duration of the review varies depending on the specific situation but generally takes several days to weeks. Only by passing a strict political review can new recruits ensure they possess loyal and reliable political qualities and good moral character, providing a strong guarantee for the development and construction of the military.
Even Chinese people say that the quality of their food is the worst in the world. Today, I went and bought a bottle of old yogurt-flavored drink. Please pay attention to whether its ingredient list is scientifically nutritious: Drinking water, fructose syrup, skim milk powder, food additives (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium cyclamate, aspartame = contains phenylalanine, acesulfame potassium, sodium benzoate, sodium tripolyphosphate, citric acid, DL-malic acid, sodium citrate), flavoring essence.
Shelf life: 8 months under normal temperature and sealed conditions.
What do you think of these ingredients? Would those additives used in drinks available in China seem to be a critique of the food quality?
Now, let’s look at the ingredient list for Coca-Cola in China – a soda with delicious flavor:
Water, fructose syrup, white sugar, food additives (carbon dioxide, caramel color, phosphoric acid, caffeine), flavoring essence.
Shelf life: 9 months.
Is it the same as yours?
Complicating a Simple Issue
Complicating a Simple Issue
China’s labor dispatch system was officially implemented on January 1, 2008, following the enactment of the Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China. The concept of labor dispatch in China was introduced by Beijing Foreign Enterprise Human Resources Service Co., Ltd. (FESCO). In response to enterprises’ demand for flexible employment, the government began to explore and encourage the development of the labor dispatch industry. The establishment of FESCO marked the official emergence of this industry in China.
After more than a decade of development, people have realized that labor dispatch has become a heavy burden on workers.
First, ordinary people without power or influence cannot establish labor dispatch companies, making these firms inherently bureaucratic and monopolistic. Owning such a company essentially guarantees effortless profits.
For many businesses and institutions, in order to reduce costs, evade legal risks, and shirk social responsibilities, the widespread use of dispatched workers has become common practice. Jobs that should have been handled by formal employees are transferred to dispatched workers, achieving the goal of “using workers without bearing the responsibility for them.” Facing such benefits, some organizations even violate regulations by setting up or registering labor dispatch companies through affiliated units or individuals for self-dispatch purposes.
This practice not only infringes upon workers’ legitimate rights but also severely disrupts the fairness of the labor market.
Starting from April 1, 2025, all labor dispatch companies nationwide will be required to undergo regular annual license reviews to ensure their operations comply with regulations.
The second major change is equal pay for equal work. The concept is straightforward—performing the same job should result in receiving the same wages. Previously, dispatched employees and formal employees did the same work but received vastly different compensation and benefits. For example, a formal worker on a production line tightening screws would receive full social insurance, housing funds, and holiday benefits, while a dispatched worker would only receive basic wages. The new policy explicitly states that the same work and the same labor output must be met with equal compensation.
The final change concerns social security. In the past, many dispatching firms turned a blind eye to social security contributions, with some outright refusing to pay. Under the new regulations, dispatching companies must provide social security for their employees. If they fail to do so, they will face serious consequences, including mandatory back payments and late fees imposed by the government.
Clearly, these new regulations have struck a nerve. Some people support them, others worry, and many are taking a wait-and-see approach. However, the biggest question remains: Why not simply abolish labor dispatch companies altogether, instead of complicating a simple issue? Policies are made at the top, but countermeasures always emerge at the bottom. Will these changes truly protect the rights of dispatched employees?
New Labor Dispatch Regulations in China for 2025 Officially Announced, Effective from April 1
New Labor Dispatch Regulations in China for 2025 Officially Announced, Effective from April 1
1. Scope of Use: Employers can only use dispatched workers for temporary, auxiliary, or substitute positions.
2. Proportion Limit: The number of dispatched workers cannot exceed 10% of the total workforce (including both regular employees and dispatched workers).
3. Contract Requirements: Dispatching agencies must sign a fixed written contract of at least two years with workers, without a probation period. When the worker is not assigned a job, the agency must pay the local minimum wage.
4. Agreement Details: A formal agreement must be signed, specifying job nature, work location, dispatch duration, salary, social security, and work injury provisions.
5. Equal Pay and Treatment: Dispatched workers must receive equal pay and benefits as regular employees. Discrimination is prohibited, and secondary dispatching is not allowed.
6. Termination Rules: Workers can terminate the contract with a 30-day written notice. If the employer returns the dispatched worker due to its own reasons, the employer must pay wages for the idle period.
7. Compensation for Unlawful Termination: If the dispatch agency unlawfully terminates the contract, it must provide financial compensation.
8. Prohibition of Evasion via Outsourcing: Using "outsourcing" to evade labor dispatch responsibilities is strictly forbidden. For cross-regional dispatching, wages and social security must follow the standards of the employer's location.
This new regulation is truly considerate, covering all aspects of labor rights. Big thumbs up!
The current wage situation for ordinary workers in China is as follows (RMB/month):
The current wage situation for ordinary workers in China is as follows (RMB/month):
• Sanitation worker: 2800 – Early mornings and long hours
• Restaurant waiter: 3500 – Exhausting work serving tables
• Supermarket cashier: 3500 – Standing all day
• Factory assembly line worker: 5000 – Tiring shift work, day and night
• Residential security guard: 3000 – 12-hour patrol shifts
• Courier: 6500 – Delivering packages in all weather
• Food delivery worker: 7000 – Racing against time to complete orders
• Housekeeper: 4500 – Handling all household chores
• Renovation worker: 7500 – Climbing and working hard
• Ride-hailing driver: 8000 – Long hours sitting, prone to fatigue
• Construction worker: 6000 – Unstable work schedule due to project delays
• Hairdresser: 5500 – Standing for long periods serving customers
• Preschool teacher: 4000 – Stressful job caring for children
• Nurse: 5000 – Overnight shifts, staying up all night
• Doctor: Starting from 7000 – High pressure and great responsibility
• Ordinary teacher: 6000 – Busy with lesson prep and grading
• Bank teller: 5000 – Requires precision in transactions
• Grassroots civil servant: 10,000–20,000 – Many tedious tasks
• Programmer: 10,000 – Overtime and coding are the norm
• E-commerce customer service: 4000 – Always on call for customer inquiries
• Advertising planner: 8000 – Creative burnout and anxiety
• Accountant: 5500 – Must ensure accuracy in financial records
• Logistics dispatcher: 6000 – Many transportation coordination challenges
• Real estate agent: 5000 – High performance pressure
• Photographer: 6500 – Constantly traveling for material
• Graphic designer: 6000 – Endless revisions are frustrating
• Warehouse manager: 4500 – Inventory checking is no easy task
• Auto mechanic: 6000 – Covered in grease, repairing vehicles
• Tour guide: 5000 – Speaking all day wears out the throat
• Hairdresser’s assistant: 3000 – Learning the trade while assisting
• Fitness coach: 7000 – Sales targets for training sessions
• Property manager: 4000 – Headache-inducing dispute resolutions
• Online streamer: 6000 – Long and demanding live broadcast hours
• Landscaper: 4500 – Outdoor labor exposed to wind and sun
• Electrician: 6000 – Risky electrical repairs
• Tower crane operator: 7000 – High-altitude, dangerous work
• Baker: 5000 – Early mornings busy making bread
• Hotel receptionist: 4000 – Exhausting yet polite customer service
• Maternity nanny: Starting from 9000 – Heavy responsibility caring for mother and baby
• Scrap collector: 5000 – Poor working environment collecting recyclables
"If you want a fish to climb a tree, you need to become a cadre. Otherwise, every industry is tough."
The "Proof" of Our Ancestors
The "Proof" of Our Ancestors
Marking the latest revision in the establishment of China’s legal system for cultural relic protection, the newly amended Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics officially came into effect on March 1, 2025, reflecting the country’s strong emphasis on cultural heritage preservation.
On November 19, 1982, the 25th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Fifth National People's Congress passed the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics. The enactment of this law provided a clear legal basis for the protection of cultural relics.
The purpose of the law was to strengthen the protection of cultural relics, inherit the outstanding historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, promote scientific research, carry out patriotism and revolutionary tradition education, and build both socialist spiritual and material civilization.
Since its first adoption in 1982, the law has undergone five revisions—in 2002, 2007, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Each amendment reflected a spirit of progress and was closely aligned with the evolving needs of cultural relic protection.
In 2023, the law underwent its sixth revision, marking the most recent and significant amendment. The revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics is now more in line with the realities of modern cultural preservation efforts.
However, I noticed that one provision has remained unchanged: Article 5 of the law states that all cultural relics found underground, in inland waters, or in territorial seas within the People's Republic of China belong to the State.
Additionally, the new law does not explicitly state that as long as a cultural relic is not stolen, looted, excavated illegally, or smuggled, it is legal to collect. Instead, it emphasizes that private ownership of cultural relics is only legal if there is proof of provenance.
It seems our ancestors only thought of passing down heirlooms to their descendants but failed to leave behind any "proof"—which, in hindsight, was indeed a rather "foolish" oversight.
Housing Vouchers Invented by the Chinese Government
Housing Vouchers Invented by the Chinese Government
Housing vouchers sound nice. They demolish your 100-square-meter house and give you a housing voucher worth 500,000 yuan, which you can use to buy a home in a designated real estate development. But here’s the catch: the 500,000 isn’t cash. When you get to the House developers, you find that the price per square meter is 1,000 to 3,000 yuan higher than the market rate. So if you want to buy a 100-square-meter home, you’ll need to fork out another 100,000 to 300,000 yuan yourself.
If you want to transfer the voucher, Guangzhou requires that you already own a home. Xiamen goes further: not only must you own property, your per capita living space must also meet certain standards. As a result, barely anyone qualifies to transfer their voucher.
When you go to buy a home, how much the voucher is actually worth depends entirely on the developer. In places like Nanjing, they claim to have a “housing supply supermarket” for easy selection, but the good properties are long gone, leaving only leftovers. Zhengzhou is even worse—residents use vouchers to buy unsellable units. So who are these vouchers really helping? Their real purpose is to help developers clear out excess inventory.
People who had hoped to use the voucher to get by in a pinch end up realizing it’s not that useful—it’s far from a sweet deal.
On top of that, local governments have set strict deadlines for using these vouchers. For instance, Guangzhou gives you 18 months (which is considered generous), Jiangsu gives 12 months, and Chongqing only 6 months—after that, the voucher becomes invalid. Developers take advantage of the urgency by hiking prices, and displaced homeowners rush to use up the vouchers—it feels just like a supermarket flash sale.
The most frustrating part is if you don’t use the full value of the voucher, you can’t convert the remainder into cash. You have to go through the government. And if you try, you’ll end up going to seven or eight different offices just to get the necessary stamps. The displaced homeowners are stuck: either pay extra to buy an overpriced house, or sit and wait, hoping the policy changes. Ordinary people work hard to save a bit of money, and then something like this happens—how could you not lose your mind?
Compared to this, the old ration coupons for grain, oil, and cloth were child’s play—housing vouchers are the real heavyweight. This is a “brilliant” scheme. Developers don’t need to get cash from the bank to compensate you—they just tear down your old home, cut their own costs, and still manage to trap you into giving them money to “bail them out.” They get rid of bad real estate stock and pay off their debts to the bank. Genius. Absolute genius.
In the end, the housing voucher basically means your house was taken from you. If someone robbed you, you could call the police. But what do you do when it’s an organization that robs you?
What if your own family were given a housing voucher? What would you do?
To speak plainly: whoever came up with this housing voucher idea is not just clever—they’re bold enough not to fear consequences.
Why Don’t Chinese People Dare Answer Unknown Calls?
Why Don’t Chinese People Dare Answer Unknown Calls?
In my opinion, it's because the public uses real-name-registered phone numbers. In fact, it's already been proven that users’ phone numbers have been illegally bought and sold, resulting in personal information leaks. Meanwhile, scammers use virtual numbers, which only worsens the spread of spam calls.
Although there's a Personal Information Protection Law, the three major telecom providers have been ineffective in tackling telecom fraud. As a result, scams are rampant, and the methods keep evolving—like pretending to be police or prosecutors, fake investment opportunities, medical insurance scams, and more. This has made the public extremely wary of unknown numbers.
On top of that, marketing and spam calls are everywhere. Real estate agents, educational institutions, loan companies, etc., frequently use automated dialing systems to bombard people with calls, disrupting daily life. In more serious cases, scam calls can not only cost your money, but even your physical health or organs.
So, I usually ignore calls from unidentified numbers. But that can also cause unexpected problems. Just yesterday, a strange number called me five times continuously, and I didn’t pick up. In the evening, my wife—an online shopping expert—came home and told me it was the delivery guy. Since she used my account to order some fresh xiangchun (Chinese toon leaves), she had left my number. Because I didn’t answer, the poor delivery guy responsibly returned the package to the sender.
At dinner, all we had on the table was a cold dish of pickled vegetables. My heart felt just as cold. Now I’m left wondering: next time I get a call from an unknown number… should I answer it or not?
On the China-U.S. Tariff War
On the China-U.S. Tariff War
The China-U.S. tariff war—this clash of titans has very little impact on me: the rice I eat is homegrown, the vegetables are from my own garden, the chickens forage for food in the wild, and the eggs come from my own hens. I would like to wear the same set of clothes for over a decade. I hardly spend on anything: the real estate market can’t squeeze me, let alone things like education expenses, traveling, partying etc. have nothing to do with me.
So when I have free time, I just sit on the couch or lie in bed, open my phone, and watch the back-and-forth of you all being busy and heated—it’s like watching a battle of the gods.
As someone who earns less than 3,000 yuan a month, aside from this hundred-plus pound body made of carbohydrates, I don’t seem to own anything at all. Things like passing on the family name, inheritance, tombs, and succession mean nothing to me. I am truly part of the proletariat—and merely a spectator of the China-U.S. trade and tariff war.
Toll Booth Worker Stung by Bees While Inspecting a Beekeeper's Cargo
Toll Booth Worker Stung by Bees While Inspecting a Beekeeper's Cargo
China’s highways are well-known for their tolls—and even more so for the strict inspections and fines related to the goods transported by drivers, often leaving them frustrated and helpless.
At a toll station in Anyang, Henan Province, a recent incident unfolded that was both comical and tragic—a “man vs. bee” showdown. A truck loaded with beehives had just pulled up to the toll window when the toll worker, following standard procedures, demanded that the boxes be opened for inspection. The beekeeper, Master Wang, anxiously waved his hands and warned, “The boxes are full of live bees. If we open them, they’ll fly everywhere—we won’t be able to control them.”
But the toll worker stood firm: “If we don’t inspect, we can’t let you through. That’s the rule.”
After a few minutes of standoff, the worker grabbed a tool and forcibly pried open one of the hives. Instantly, thousands of buzzing bees swarmed out, heading straight for the uniformed staff. A passing driver who got out to check on the commotion was also caught in the chaos. The scene quickly descended into panic.
This incident turned out to be a lose-lose situation: the beekeeper suffered the loss of his bees, and both toll booth workers were injured. The outcome was, perhaps, predictable. But what’s truly unexpected is—was there really no alternative way to conduct such inspections?
Happiness Feels Like a Distant Legend
Happiness Feels Like a Distant Legend
On April 16, 2025, China’s National Bureau of Statistics released data showing that GDP grew by 5.4% year-on-year in the first quarter, with various economic indicators showing steady improvement. Among them, average resident income increased by 5.5%, employment remained generally stable, and the unemployment rate stood at 5.3%. This marks consecutive years of GDP growth above 5%, a performance considered strong globally.
Yet, at the same time, a set of sobering statistics has come to light: over two-thirds of China's population—approximately 68.1%, or about 960 million people—earn less than 2,000 yuan (about $280 USD) per month. Of these, 750 million are from rural areas, and 210 million from urban areas. Even more striking, nearly 600 million people earn less than 1,000 yuan ($140) monthly. Among the 400 million considered "middle income," nearly 300 million have mortgages, with one-third to two-thirds of their income going toward monthly payments. In reality, fewer than 200 million people in China have genuine spending power.
If both sets of data are accurate, they reflect two harsh realities: First, wealth inequality is extreme, with real affluence limited to a small minority.Second, the country is rich, but its people are poor. Each year, the nation invests heavily in infrastructure to drive economic growth—like the 2.89 trillion yuan invested in 2024 alone—but the lives of the low-income majority remain effectively invisible.
Amid the chorus of praise and perceived "prosperity," daily life still feels unbearably heavy. Children are overwhelmed by schoolwork, young people struggle to find jobs, middle-aged workers are crushed by competition, and the elderly worry about retirement. Most Chinese people live hard, exhausting lives. They are afraid to fall ill, afraid to buy a home, afraid to marry and have children—known as the “three fears.”
In Western societies, when personal life becomes unbearable, people tend to question the system. But in China, people are more likely to say, “It’s just my fate—don’t blame the government.”
A truly great nation may not necessarily have the strongest military or win the most Olympic gold medals. It may not flaunt its power by giving aid to Africa or showcasing high-tech weaponry. What matters more than all of this is whether its people can live happy, dignified lives.
Offshore Renminbi – Like an Elastic Band: Stretching or Shrinking, It’s All Supposedly Good News
Offshore Renminbi – Like an Elastic Band: Stretching or Shrinking, It’s All Supposedly Good News
The offshore renminbi (RMB) is backed by China's foreign exchange reserves. Because of this, offshore RMB tends to be more valuable than the onshore version.
The same 100-yuan banknote is known as CNY (onshore) in mainland China, and CNH (offshore) in Hong Kong. Today, let’s uncover the "double life" of the RMB and help you understand the survival rules of the onshore (CNY) and offshore (CNH) markets.
Offshore RMB (CNH) refers to RMB circulating outside mainland China. Its exchange rate is determined by international market supply and demand, and it mainly serves cross-border trade and investment. Compared to onshore RMB, the offshore market is more market-driven and faces fewer policy restrictions. The core offshore RMB hubs are in financial centers like Hong Kong, Singapore, and London.
Onshore RMB circulates within mainland China. There is a difference in exchange rates between onshore and offshore RMB. Due to varying market conditions, this difference can fluctuate—sometimes by hundreds of basis points. This occasionally leads to the odd phenomenon of RMB depreciating against itself. In this sense, offshore RMB can act like a dam in a river, blocking the free-flowing exchange of currency between offshore and onshore.
Also, just going abroad with RMB in your wallet doesn’t make it offshore RMB. It remains onshore RMB unless you engage in deposit or loan activities in specific offshore financial markets.
In short, changes in the offshore RMB exchange rate are closely tied to everyday life. It impacts domestic purchasing power, cross-border trade, investments, and overseas assets. In a reality where full convertibility isn’t possible, understanding CNH trends—and making financial decisions accordingly—is important for individual wealth management.
But when it comes to CNH, experts on appreciation say it’s good, and experts on depreciation say it’s also good… leaving ordinary folks utterly confused.
Reflections on the Pyramid
Reflections on the Pyramid
The pyramid—especially its apex—stands as the ultimate symbol of power and faith in ancient Egyptian civilization, and even thousands of years later, it continues to provoke reflections on social governance structures. When we project this ancient image onto contemporary society, we find intriguing metaphors and insights embedded within it.
At the top, people are taught how to manipulate others. At the high level, they are taught how to control others. In the middle, they are taught how to guard against others. At the bottom, they are taught how to help others.
When those at the top are tired of all kinds of games, the people at the bottom are still debating the dangers of evil and lust; When those at the high level have multiple wives and countless mistresses outside the home, the people at the bottom are still fighting tooth and nail to uphold marital fidelity; Put simply, the bottom of society is the base of the pyramid. As long as the base remains stable, no matter how chaotic things get at the top, the pyramid will not collapse.
This is the secret to pyramid-style social governance.
Reflections on Reading China’s “Civil Code”:
Reflections on Reading China’s “Civil Code”:
Between spouses, there is no statutory obligation to support each other’s parents.
Grandchildren and maternal grandchildren have no obligation to support their grandparents, except in certain circumstances.
Parents are not legally obligated to support their grandchildren or maternal grandchildren.
A guardian is not legally obligated to support the adult children of the person under guardianship.
Generally, siblings have no mutual support obligations, except in specific situations.
Children born out of wedlock enjoy the same inheritance rights as children born in wedlock.
Adopted children do not have inheritance rights to the property of their biological parents unless otherwise specified in a will.
Stepchildren do not have inheritance rights to the property of their stepparents, and it is not illegal for stepchildren who have not formed a support relationship with their stepparents to refuse to support them.
A fetus enjoys inheritance rights.
A testator may change or revoke their will at any time.
A printed will must be witnessed by at least two people.
An oral will is only valid in emergencies and must be witnessed by at least two people.
The unilateral disposal of joint property by one spouse can generally be deemed invalid.
If one spouse conceals a major illness before marriage, the other party has the right to request annulment of the marriage within one year after learning of it.
For an adoptee over eight years old, adoption requires the adoptee’s own consent.
If a marriage is entered into under coercion, the coerced party may request annulment within one year after the coercion ceases.
An invalid or annulled marriage has no legal effect from the beginning, and the parties have no spousal rights or obligations.
At divorce, children under two years of age should generally be raised directly by the mother.
For a divorce by mutual consent, both spouses must sign a written divorce agreement and personally apply for divorce registration at the marriage registration office.
Within thirty days of the marriage registration office receiving the divorce registration application, either party may withdraw the divorce application if they no longer wish to divorce.
Upon divorce, the couple’s joint property should be settled by mutual agreement; if no agreement is reached, the people’s court shall decide based on the specific circumstances of the property, giving consideration to the interests of the children, the woman, and the innocent party.
The Silent Pyramid
The Silent Pyramid
People often say that the pyramid is the crystallization of science and technology. But to me, they are more a subtle reflection of human social life.
The secret of any enduring social structure may not lie in its magnificent appearance, but in the fact that every stone within it receives the recognition it deserves. The dazzling pinnacle that shines between heaven and earth is silently supported by billions of unyielding stones.
Those at the top of the pyramid hold the vast majority of the society’s resources and wealth. Don’t expect them to look down at the laboring masses below and decide to redistribute wealth or resources to help them. That’s impossible. Only when the base is broad and strong enough can the pyramid become more stable.
For those at the top, employment or unemployment is never an issue—it has always been a problem for the beasts of burden at the bottom. The struggles of the lower class are rarely cared about and only addressed when absolutely necessary.
The trend of societal development is the increasing concentration of wealth at the top. Otherwise, those at the top would have no incentive to drive society forward.
So, never trust what the people at the top say. Their stance is different from yours, their values are different, and their goals are different. Their goal is to make you believe what they say—so that you’ll stay obediently at the bottom.
But also don’t blindly trust what those at the bottom say. If they were truly capable, they wouldn't still be beasts of burden at the bottom.
At all times, believe only in yourself—trust your own intuition and judgment. Don’t let anyone hijack your precious thoughts. Perhaps only in this way will you have a chance to find a narrow path, amidst the thorny maze, that leads to the top of the pyramid.
What is the significance of attending university in China?
What is the significance of attending university in China?
On one hand, there is the issue of college graduates struggling to find jobs; on the other hand, there's an outpouring of blessings and encouragement for students taking the national college entrance exam (Gaokao). The intense fervor surrounding the Gaokao stands in stark contrast to the rising unemployment among college students. It's almost surreal: if a college degree ultimately leads to food delivery, express courier work, ride-hailing driving, or the so-called “Three Auspicious Treasures” — security guard, cleaner, and nanny — then why do over 13 million students across the country still take the Gaokao every year to compete for a spot at a good university? What can university actually offer an average student?
Just like every flower blooms in its own unique direction, students who are tracked into vocational education after the high school entrance exam (Zhongkao) typically earn only a secondary vocational diploma. This means that, with high probability, they will rely on manual labor to make a living. Our society places a strong emphasis on one's initial academic credentials, and for those holding a secondary vocational diploma, applying to a decent company often reveals a fatal weakness in the job search. The reality is blunt: a diploma is like a door — if you can’t pass through it, you’ll miss out on more than half of the opportunities. You might feel capable and hardworking, but when a big company HR looks at your resume, the first thing they check isn’t your skills — it’s the name of the school and your major on that piece of paper. The data backs this up: in 2024, more than 85% of companies in China require at least a bachelor’s degree for management positions. Even with ten years of work experience, starting out with a secondary vocational diploma is like carrying a permanent mark.
According to 2023 data from the Ministry of Education, although over 90% of secondary vocational graduates found jobs, more than 70% of them ended up in manual labor roles, such as manufacturing, services, or construction. In contrast, nearly half of bachelor’s degree holders were able to enter technical or management positions. The difference is substantial. It's not that manual labor is shameful, but the opportunities are fewer and the upward mobility is limited. That’s where the line between merely surviving and truly living is drawn. Mental labor gives you room to plan your life; manual labor often means gritting your teeth to get through the day.
From a life perspective, one of the first major steps for young adults after starting work is finding a partner. Academic qualifications can become a barrier here too. In 2024, a trending topic on Baidu explored how education level affects marriage prospects, and the comments section exploded. One person said they graduated from vocational school and had a great connection with a girl who had a bachelor’s degree — but after meeting her parents, they were rejected. The reason? “The education gap is too wide; we’re worried your future growth won’t keep pace.” The girl’s parents were straightforward: “It’s not that we look down on you, but someone with a lower degree generally has less potential.” That’s not discrimination — it’s human nature. Everyone wants their child to have a secure future. The data supports this too: a 2024 survey from a dating platform found that 80% of users prioritize similar education levels when choosing a partner, and those with a bachelor’s degree or higher were three times more likely to find a match than those from vocational backgrounds.
As for the public sector, academic qualifications are even more critical. Civil service and public institution jobs almost universally have education requirements. For the 2024 national civil service exam, 95% of positions required at least a bachelor’s degree — vocational school graduates couldn’t even apply. Want to be promoted? Look at your starting point. A friend of mine has been working for a state-owned enterprise in a small town for eight years. He’s top-notch in terms of performance, but when promotion time came, he lost out to a new employee with a bachelor’s degree who had only been there two years. The reason? "His degree is better." That wasn’t an exception — it’s the rule.
While it’s true that degrees are depreciating in value at an increasingly visible rate, getting into a university can still be a turning point in life. It’s not that vocational school students are hopeless, but the societal machinery heavily favors those who hold a bachelor — it’s like a universal pass. Without a university degree, your resume gets tossed, your relationship prospects take a hit, and countless doors are closed to you.
Of course, studying isn’t the only path, but it remains the most stable one in China.
If you occupy the road for business, your properties will be confiscated directly by Cheng Guan.
A Shout That Changed Everything
A Shout That Changed Everything
A few street vendors had gathered together and were passionately discussing national affairs with great enthusiasm.
The cucumber seller said, “Our country's army is widely recognized as the best in the world. Since the founding of the People's Republic, China’s ground forces have participated in several external wars and emerged victorious, including the Korean War, the Sino-Indian border conflict, the Sino-Soviet Zhenbao Island skirmish, and the war with Vietnam. In these conflicts, the Chinese military demonstrated immense combat strength and tactical wisdom.”
The tomato seller chimed in, “Our aviation industry is also world-class. China has independently developed several advanced fighter jets and drones, such as the J-20 stealth fighter and the Wing Loong II UAV. The development and deployment of these technologies mark a major breakthrough in our aerospace capabilities.”
The eggplant seller said happily, “Our missile technology, especially the Dongfeng missile series and hypersonic missiles, is unmatched in the world and has reached an advanced international level.”
The potato seller quickly added, “China has also made major strides in the computing field. In 1958, we developed our first general-purpose digital electronic computer, the Model 103. Since then, we've achieved a leading position globally in supercomputing. Right now, China has the highest number of supercomputers in the global Top 500 list.”
Not wanting to be left out, the yellow croaker fish seller shouted, “Our navy has developed rapidly too! We now have multiple aircraft carriers and state-of-the-art warships. In 2017, China launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier, marking a significant milestone in naval development.”
The tofu seller summed it all up: “Our drones are at least the second most powerful in the world, and our ground forces are ranked number one, with around 2.36 million personnel...”
Just then, someone suddenly shouted, “cheng guan is coming!”
In an instant, the whole group of vendors disappeared without a trace.
What is "cheng guan"?
Put simply, it refers to urban enforcement officers who prevent street vendors from setting up shop and selling goods along public roads without permission.
The Money Tree
The Money Tree
The legendary "Money Tree" — coveted by pirates, longed for by gamblers, and obsessed over by drug lords — is something ordinary people can only dream of. Even the trees themselves couldn’t have imagined that they’d be worth so much. But compared to human greed, they’re just child’s play.
In Yantai Mountain Park, located in Cangshan District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, a few so-called “sky-high priced trees” were planted. One black pine was actually purchased for 38,000 yuan — already a fairly eye-catching price. But shockingly, government officials issued an invoice for a jaw-dropping 776,000 yuan.
If it hadn’t been for a debt dispute between the tree supplier and the buyer (officers) — which led to a court investigation — no one would have discovered that the procurement price had been inflated twenty times over.
Even drug lords in the Golden Triangle would probably tremble at the sight of that invoice, regretting that they hadn’t been ruthless enough. Casino bosses in Macau must be stunned — had they known, they would’ve bet on trees instead. Somali pirates would weep at this story: “There’s a business that profitable and we’re risking our lives on the seas?” Poor Caribbean pirates risk their lives for loot, often ending up with nothing — it’s just not fair. This makes more money than drug trafficking — and most importantly, even if caught, you don’t go to jail.
Ordinary people work their entire lives and still don’t make as much as these trees do. If the supplier hadn’t angrily blown the whistle, we still wouldn’t know the shocking lengths some agencies go to.
Not long ago, there was a public procurement scandal where a school invited bids for routers worth just over 200 yuan each, yet the final quote came out to 700,000 yuan — the uproar hadn’t even died down when this new tree pricing scandal emerged. A 38,000-yuan tree billed at 776,000 — a new report.
So forget about Northern Myanmar, Wall Street tycoons, or Golden Triangle kingpins — they’re child’s play compared to this.
What’s more terrifying is how common these shady dealings are in public procurement. Every now and then, we hear another thunderclap of a scandal. There’s nothing they can’t do — only things we haven’t imagined yet. Each case more shameless than the last.
Specific Steps for Unemployed University Graduates in China to Apply for Minimum Living Allowance (Dibao)
Specific Steps for Unemployed University Graduates in China to Apply for Minimum Living Allowance (Dibao)
On April 8, 2025, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council officially issued a policy document, marking the first time that unemployed university graduates who have left school are included in the scope of the minimum living guarantee system (Dibao). Below are the key policy details and application steps:
Eligibility Criteria
Means-tested: If your family is wealthy — owns property, cars, or has substantial savings — you will not be eligible for Dibao.
Graduation status: Graduates from the Class of 2023 or earlier who are unemployed and have registered as job seekers are eligible.
Some regions extend eligibility to those within two years after graduation.
Job-seeking activity: In some areas, applicants must actively seek employment to qualify. Long-term inactivity in job hunting may lead to rejection.
How to Apply
1.Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Online:
Submit via the “College Graduate Employment Service Platform”, or
through the State Council Client mini-program on Alipay.
Offline:
Go to your local community or subdistrict office, bringing:
Your ID card
Graduation certificate
Unemployment certification, such as a termination letter or release agreement
2. Review and Distribution
Authorities will review your application materials.
Once approved, monthly payments will be issued according to local Dibao standards:
Area Type Monthly Amount (approx.)
First-tier cities ¥1,000 – ¥1,500
Second/third-tier cities ¥600 – ¥1,000
Rural areas ¥400 – ¥600
Ongoing Obligations
Monthly Check-ins:
You must report to your local community office monthly.
Show proof of active job-seeking (e.g., screenshots of submitted resumes or interview invitations).
No Hidden Exams:
Secretly preparing for civil service or graduate school exams could lead to disqualification.
After Finding a Job
Self-report your employment and stop receiving payments.
Failure to do so could result in a negative credit record.
Detailed Eligibility and Priorities
Income threshold:
Family’s per capita disposable income must be below the local Dibao line.
For example, Shanghai’s Dibao threshold is ¥1,530/month — if your family income is below that, you're eligible.
Time limit:
You must be within two years of graduation and still unemployed.
Priority groups:
Families lifted out of poverty
Near-poor families
Zero-employment households
Graduates with disabilities
As the saying goes, “even an ant is meat” — meaning every little bit helps. While the amount may be modest, this policy might help ease the anxiety many university graduates face in a difficult job market.
The More You Think About It, the More Frightening It Becomes
The More You Think About It, the More Frightening It Becomes
Every time I see news about a successful human organ transplant, only one thought comes to mind:
Why don’t they report the source of the organ donors? Why must it always be kept secret under the excuse of "protecting privacy"?
In truth, what people really want to know is the origin of the organs, not just another success story about a transplant surgery. When there is no transparency regarding the donor information, it naturally leads people to harbor terrifying suspicions. For instance, the growing number of reports about missing university students, middle schoolers, and even elementary school children raises alarm among the public.
And when rumors start spreading that some of these missing children were found with their organs removed, the fear only deepens. So much so that some people hesitate to go through surgery even when they’re ill, afraid that their own "parts" might mysteriously disappear on the operating table.
Even more absurdly, when students are required to fill in their medical history in health records, some parents deliberately write in false illnesses — things like hepatitis B, tuberculosis, chronic hives — just to make sure it seems like their children’s organs aren’t “suitable.” It's as if they’re willing to turn their kids into the "Sick Man of East Asia" just to protect them.
Nowadays, prices for various human organs are openly listed in hospitals. When the rich can buy health with money, it’s no wonder that ordinary people lament:
“We’ve become nothing more than human mines for the wealthy.”
In a time when human organs are commodities and doctors have turned into butchers,
how could anyone not be filled with fear the more they think about it?
I Don’t Trust the Morality of the Rich, But I Do Trust Their Vision
I Don’t Trust the Morality of the Rich, But I Do Trust Their Vision
When Zong Qinghou passed away last year, the entire city mourned. Streets were empty, tributes poured in. What was everyone thinking? They were remembering a man hailed as a “people’s entrepreneur” — a man of modesty, with one wife, one daughter, and cloth shoes; a billionaire who reportedly spent less than 50,000 yuan a year; a patriotic icon who once declared that no member of his family had settled abroad.
But what happened?
Barely a year after the old man's passing, three American-born illegitimate sons suddenly appeared — filing lawsuits in Hong Kong and Hangzhou, suing his daughter Zong Fuli. What did they want?
First, the freezing of an $1.8 billion offshore trust held in HSBC, claiming Zong had promised them $700 million each, totaling $2.1 billion in “child support.”
Second, they sought a share of the 29.4% equity in Wahaha Group that Zong Fuli inherited — a stake valued at over 20 billion yuan at present.
And that wasn’t even the whole story.
According to investigations by Phoenix News and other media, those three weren’t the only “Waha babies.” Insiders revealed that, aside from Zong Fuli, Zong Qinghou may have had six other children. Their mothers? A mixed roster: the group’s founding executive Du Jianying, younger employees who came later, and even a housekeeper.
The eldest illegitimate son was born in 1989, the youngest in 2017, when Zong was already 72 years old.
Incredible — Wahaha basically exported an entire American branch of the Zong clan to help build North America.
In 1987, a single document from the Education and Culture Bureau of Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, entrusted a 42-year-old Zong Qinghou with managing the school-run enterprise's distribution office.
That modest beginning — a 100,000 yuan loan from the government, plus factory space and equipment — laid the foundation for what would become a beverage empire.
No one at the time could have imagined that this 100% state-owned origin would one day morph into a situation so absurd that, despite state-owned capital holding 46% of shares, it only enjoyed 0.39% of the profits.
In 2003, when Zong registered an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands to control Hongsheng Group, a meticulously engineered profit-shifting system was quietly activated:
Sales-side monopoly: Through shell companies like Hangzhou Wahaha Honghui Food, Zong’s family seized full control of the distribution network — diverting channel profits outside the state-owned system.
Outsourced pricing manipulation: Contract manufacturing was handed to Hongsheng subsidiaries, with a processing fee of 0.158 yuan per bottle going directly into Zong Fuli’s pocket, while Wahaha Group (the state-owned part) only received a tiny trademark royalty.
Production & R&D bias: High-margin products like AD calcium milk were prioritized for Hongsheng to produce. R&D breakthroughs were freely shared with non-state companies.
According to 2022 financial reports:
Non-state enterprises controlled by the Zong family had 370 billion yuan in total assets and 4.767 billion in net profit.
In contrast, Wahaha Group, with 46% held by the state, had only 5.8 billion in assets and a meager 18.71 million yuan in net profit.
That’s right — 46% state ownership diluted down to just 0.39% in actual profit.
It’s true — the things the rich are capable of are beyond our imagination, because their vision operates on a scale light-years away from that of ordinary people.
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