A tragic massacre in Zhuhai on Monday, where a man drove a car into a crowd at a sports complex, resulting in 35 deaths and 43 injuries, has drawn national and international scrutiny on China’s rising social tensions and violent crime. This event marks the deadliest incident of its kind in a decade and adds to a growing list of violent attacks across the country in 2024. These incidents come amid China’s economic slowdown, widespread job insecurity, and waning public confidence, prompting discussions among experts about the relationship between economic instability and social unrest.
China’s economic downturn has intensified following the country’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns, which were only lifted in late 2022. The post-lockdown period was expected to revitalize the economy, but recovery has proven challenging. Employment rates remain a concern, consumer spending has slumped, and even housing prices—a staple of China’s economic growth model—have seen stagnation. As frustrations simmer, many analysts argue that China’s economic struggles are manifesting in social tensions and a disturbing uptick in violence.
Hanzhang Liu, assistant professor of political studies at Pitzer College, stated that the wave of violent attacks is “a reflection of worsening social and macroeconomic conditions.” According to Liu, “The increasing frequency suggests more people in China are facing hardships and desperation that they have not previously experienced.” This recent escalation in violence appears to be a stark indicator of how economic pressure is eroding the social fabric, with certain individuals responding in dangerous ways out of anger, frustration, or despair.
A String of Violent Attacks
Monday’s attack in Zhuhai was only the latest in a string of violent incidents that have shocked the nation:
- February 2024 – A middle-aged man killed 21 people in Shandong province using a knife and firearm.
- July 2024 – In Changsha, a man killed eight after ramming his car into a crowd due to a property dispute.
- September 2024 – A 37-year-old man stabbed three people to death and injured 15 in a Shanghai supermarket.
- October 2024 – A man injured five people with a knife in a Beijing school.
- October 2024 – An unemployed man in Shenzhen fatally stabbed a Japanese student.
These incidents have sparked online discussions and concerns over what is perceived as a deteriorating sense of safety, questioning Beijing’s claim as one of the safest countries worldwide.
Root Causes of Social Distress
The underlying economic troubles in China are numerous and complex, and analysts have identified several key factors contributing to rising frustration among the populace:
- Youth Unemployment: Official figures place youth unemployment above 20%, with some experts suspecting the true rate could be even higher. Many young adults feel that career and life milestones—such as homeownership or financial independence—are increasingly out of reach.
- Housing Market Issues: Property ownership has long been a symbol of success in China. However, as housing prices stagnate, many middle-aged and younger citizens are finding themselves unable to afford homes. The overreliance on real estate as an investment has created a sense of disillusionment.
- Increased Cost of Living: Rising costs in urban areas are another significant factor, especially regarding childcare, education, and healthcare, which are essential for families seeking a stable future.
- ‘Tangping’ Movement: In response to limited opportunities and intense pressure, many young Chinese have embraced “tangping” (or “lying flat”), a counter-cultural movement that rejects high-pressure jobs and high-cost lifestyles in favor of minimalistic, low-expectation living. This shift suggests a loss of faith in the system, as younger generations choose to prioritize mental well-being over traditional ambitions.
Lynette Ong, a professor of Chinese politics at the University of Toronto, describes the violent incidents as “the negative side of the same coin” as the ‘tangping’ movement. While some individuals quietly withdraw from the rat race, others resort to anger or even violence when faced with limited options and overwhelming frustration. According to Ong, “These are symptoms of a society with a lot of pent-up grievances,” as people struggle to navigate life’s mounting pressures.
China has long been known for its extensive surveillance systems, often touted as a tool to prevent crime and maintain public order. However, recent violent incidents have revealed weaknesses in this system, as perpetrators often remain “unknown threats” until after the fact. While the surveillance network can track and monitor individuals flagged for suspicious activities, it does not always detect those who have no prior records or show signs of danger.
Minxin Pei, a professor at Claremont McKenna College, explained that “the system is very good at watching known threats, but it does a poor job dealing with previously unknown or unidentified threats.” The recent attack in Zhuhai, reportedly carried out by a 62-year-old man unhappy with his divorce settlement, is a prime example. While his case highlights an individual grievance, its tragic escalation shows how quickly personal frustrations can spill into public violence under the current climate.
Suzanne Scoggins, a political science professor at Clark University, noted that the attacks show the limits of surveillance in predicting and preventing spontaneous outbursts of violence. “There is no such thing as an all-seeing, all-knowing police state,” she said, emphasizing that technology alone cannot address the social roots of unrest and that relying on it could lead to further gaps in public safety.
In response to the Zhuhai massacre, Chinese authorities acted swiftly to control public reaction. Commemorations were swiftly shut down, memorials cleared, and social media discussions about the incident were heavily censored. For the state, the rapid response was seen as a means of discouraging copycat incidents and maintaining social stability. However, analysts argue that these actions reflect a tendency toward secrecy that prevents open dialogue about the social issues underlying these violent outbursts.
Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute, stated, “The Chinese state’s default modus operandi is secrecy,” pointing out that suppression of information is often used to protect the country’s image and avoid questions about state control and social stability. However, this approach risks alienating citizens who seek explanations and accountability, potentially exacerbating societal disillusionment.
The current economic downturn is not only affecting individuals but also straining state resources. Traditionally, Beijing has responded to social instability by enhancing public security measures, increasing police presence, and investing in technological surveillance systems. Yet the economic slowdown has led to “unprecedented fiscal woes,” as described by Hanzhang Liu, potentially limiting the government’s ability to fund such initiatives.
Liu believes that this “thorny challenge” could push the state into a precarious balancing act between maintaining control and addressing underlying grievances. The heavy expenditure required to bolster public security systems may further strain public funds, leaving fewer resources to invest in long-term solutions that address root causes, such as job creation, economic diversification, and social welfare programs.
Despite the recent surge in violent crimes, China’s official murder rate remains relatively low. Last year, China reported 0.46 murders per 100,000 people, compared to the United States’ rate of 5.7 per 100,000. Beijing has often used such statistics to bolster its reputation as a “safe” country. Following Monday’s incident, President Xi Jinping urged officials to take action to prevent “extreme cases” and ensure public safety, while the foreign ministry reiterated that China remains one of the world’s safest nations.
However, comparisons with other countries only go so far in alleviating public concern. The recent violent incidents have shaken citizens’ confidence and raised questions about what the future holds if economic instability continues. For some, the country’s commitment to safety and stability is beginning to feel tenuous in light of these tragic events.
As China grapples with these incidents, its leaders face a dilemma. On the one hand, economic reform and policies aimed at stimulating growth could alleviate some of the financial pressures driving public dissatisfaction. On the other hand, an overemphasis on security and censorship without addressing social grievances could lead to further alienation of an already disillusioned populace.
Ong from the University of Toronto warns that China could be “tipping toward a different type of society, an uglier society.” As people become more desperate and grievances continue to simmer, the potential for violence, disillusionment, and social fragmentation grows. Ultimately, the challenges China faces in managing its economy and social fabric may necessitate a new approach—one that balances security with openness and addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of its societal unrest.
