Part 4/9:
The CCP historically negotiated a social contract with the Chinese people after the Tiananmen Square incident, vowing economic growth in exchange for political acquiescence. This pact worked for decades, lifting countless citizens out of poverty and providing a semblance of prosperity. However, the current economic downturn calls this arrangement into question. Heads of households are now grappling with rising living costs and dwindling job opportunities, prompting frustration amongst the populace. The fear is that an unsatisfied public could jeopardize Xi Jinping’s position as unrest may arise from unmet economic expectations.