Looking busy can be hard work. The Economist explains that “as Chinese governance has become more politicised and a fear of punishment has taken hold, local officials have changed the way they do things” (“China needs its frightened officials to save the economy,” January 30, 2025):
Many are holding more meetings and issuing more documents—but much of this is just show, according to Hanyu Zhao, a scholar who tracks the bureaucracy. The burden of looking busy is often passed down to lower-level cadres, some of whom, at least, are getting creative. In one example highlighted by Ms Zhao, a group of them were required to hold two (unnecessary) meetings each day as part of an anti-poverty campaign. Instead they met once every three days, taking six photos per meeting with different outfits, lighting and seating.
Maybe the particular tricks are new—like taking creative pics to “prove” a frequency of meetings. But figuring out ways to convey false impressions to higher-ups in answer to their central-planning mandates is nothing new in the world or in the People’s Republic of China, where it’s been standard from Mao on. One method is fabricating statistics.
The Economist also says:
At the annual session of China’s parliament in March, the government is expected to approve an even higher bond quota for local officials to use on a greater range of projects, including industrial parks, hospitals and care facilities for the elderly. It will also expand a “cash for clunkers” scheme, which subsidises households and firms to trade in consumer goods and factory equipment for newer gear. That scheme is funded by the central government but depends on local officials to carry it out, with more funding to be allocated for those who do a good job.
There is much to do, then, and little time to do it…. Local administrations are now wary of doing anything that might lead to accusations of graft. So lately the CCDI has been handing down punishments for laziness, too. Last year it disciplined 94,000 officials for “irresponsibility”, “inaction” and “pretending to work”, more than twice the number the year before.
The party is also trying a softer approach, which is perhaps overdue….
The party must “combine strict management with warm care…so cadres will be eager to forge ahead,” Mr Xi has said. Perhaps with that in mind the CCDI has been holding what it calls “heart-to-heart” talks with cadres. Such conversations are “both a science and an art”, according to a guide posted online. It suggests inspectors should build rapport by asking about an official’s children and hobbies. If necessary, it says, interrupt them with a “light cough” rather than a word, to avoid causing offence. “I am grateful to the [CCDI] for reminding me through heart-to-heart talks that slacking off is irresponsible,” one official in the region of Guangxi told state media last year. “I will correct my mistakes without delay.”
Much central planning to do, little time to do it. Also, perhaps a softer approach by the CCP is “overdue.” What is this supposed to mean? What about shutting down autocratic central planning? Also overdue?
The Economist’s headline, in the same vein, is also wrongheaded. China does not need its frightened or lazy officials to “save the economy.” If all of the officials get out of the way, it will save itself. China and the world do not need a kinder and gentler totalitarianism but an end to totalitarianism. Point that out next time, Economist.
