Today is May 1st, International Workers' Day—a day meant to celebrate workers' contributions and defend their rights. Yet under the despotic rule of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tyrant Xi Jinping, the Chinese working class finds itself under unprecedented oppression and exploitation. Over the past twelve years, this authoritarian leader has consolidated his personal power through iron-fisted means. Domestically, he has ruthlessly squeezed the people; internationally, he squanders national wealth to fabricate a false image of a "great power". Meanwhile, the dignity and well-being of Chinese workers are trampled underfoot.
In contrast, democratic countries in Europe and North America offer genuine dignity and protection to their laborers through robust social safety nets, strong labor rights, and people-centered governance. The comparison is stark. Xi Jinping's China is not only a betrayal of its workers, but an open affront to the progress of human civilization.
I. Under the Tyranny of Xi Jinping: A Hell for Workers
Since ascending to power in 2012, Xi Jinping has purged political rivals under the pretext of "anti-corruption" and has built a personality cult and totalitarian regime. During these twelve years, Chinese workers have not seen an improvement in their livelihoods despite so-called "economic rise". On the contrary, high-pressure policies and deeply unbalanced resource distribution have made life increasingly difficult for the working class. Under Xi Jinping's regime, workers' rights have been systematically stripped away, social safety nets are nearly nonexistent, and when disaster strikes, people are left helpless.
1. The Collapse of Social Security: Workers' Despair
Under Xi Jinping's reign, China's social security system has seen declining budget allocations year after year. In contrast to Western democracies—where social welfare spending accounts for 25% to 30% of GDP—China's spending consistently remains below 10%. Even more infuriating is the poor coverage and low quality of these benefits. The pension system is riddled with flaws and unable to sustain basic living standards. Healthcare is essentially a luxury, and catastrophic illness often drives families into bankruptcy.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 revealed the regime's complete disregard for workers. During the Wuhan lockdown, countless laborers lost their incomes, and the government provided virtually no financial aid. Many were left to starve in their homes, and others died due to lack of medical resources. Meanwhile, the shameless Xi Jinping bragged about "victory over the virus", turning the people's suffering into political propaganda. This blatant disregard for workers' basic right to survival desecrates the very spirit of Labor Day.
2. The Trampling of Labor Rights: 996 and Sweatshops
Under Xi Jinping's tyranny, workers' rights are constantly violated. The notorious "996" work culture (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week) has become widespread, especially in tech and manufacturing industries. Workers endure excessive workloads, often without overtime pay or sufficient rest. In 2021, a Pinduoduo employee's death due to overwork sparked national outrage. Yet the Xi Jinping's regime took no meaningful steps to improve labor conditions—instead, it censored discussions online.
Even worse are the sweatshops that continue to operate at massive scale. At factories like Foxconn, workers perform repetitive tasks for meager pay under poor living conditions. In 2022, a COVID outbreak at the Zhengzhou Foxconn plant led to mass protests. Rather than protect workers, Xi Jinping's brutal regime deployed police to suppress the unrest. This level of disregard for worker dignity starkly contrasts with Western nations, where labor laws and union protections are robust.
3. Powerless in Disaster: Abandoned by the State
In Xi Jinping's China, laborers are left to fend for themselves during natural or man-made disasters. In 2021, catastrophic floods in Zhengzhou, Henan, claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands. Government rescue efforts were slow and poorly coordinated, and many victims had to rely solely on themselves. Xi Jinping, heartlessly, chose to visit other regions instead, ignoring the suffering of flood victims. In 2023, a similar tragedy occurred in Hebei province when the government deliberately flooded villages to protect Beijing, leaving countless rural residents homeless.
By comparison, Western democracies rapidly activate emergency response systems in disasters. In the 2022 Florida hurricane, the U.S. federal government allocated billions of dollars for recovery, ensuring victims had access to food, shelter, and medical care. This people-first governance model is the polar opposite of Xi Jinping's cold and oppressive rule.
II. Lavish Spending Abroad, Exploitation at Home: Xi Jinping's Hypocritical Facade
Xi Jinping not only exploits his own people but also wastes national wealth to buy global influence through programs like the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, China has loaned and donated hundreds of billions of dollars to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Ironically, many citizens in these recipient countries now enjoy better access to healthcare and education than average Chinese laborers. While China builds hospitals and schools abroad, domestic workers face soaring medical bills and unaffordable education. In 2023, during a visit to South Africa, Xi Jinping pledged another massive aid package—at the same time, China's pension crisis deepened, and many retirees couldn't even receive their modest benefits. This grotesque policy imbalance reveals the regime's cruel betrayal of its own people.
III. Labor Protection in Democratic Nations: Models of People-First Governance
Compared to Xi Jinping's authoritarian China, democratic countries in the West offer commendable systems for labor protection and welfare. Their laws and institutions ensure real respect and support for workers.
1. Strong Labor Laws and Union Power
In Germany and France, labor laws clearly stipulate minimum wages, paid leave, and overtime compensation. Germany's Employment Protection Act caps the workweek at 48 hours and guarantees at least four weeks of paid vacation annually. France has powerful labor unions capable of negotiating with the government. In 2022, French railway workers went on strike for better wages—and succeeded. Such equality in negotiation is unimaginable under Xi Jinping's authoritarian rule.
2. Comprehensive Social Welfare Systems
Western welfare systems provide extensive support. Sweden, for instance, allocates nearly 30% of GDP to social services, covering healthcare, education, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Its universal healthcare ensures every citizen receives quality medical care, and unemployment insurance offers up to a year of financial support. In contrast, Chinese workers receive almost no aid in times of illness or job loss, while Xi Jinping's regime diverts vast resources into military spending and domestic surveillance.
3. People-First Governance
Democratic governments prioritize their citizens. During the COVID-19 crisis, Germany launched a short-time work scheme that compensated up to 90% of lost wages. The UK offered large loans to small businesses to protect jobs. These policies not only safeguarded livelihoods but also supported economic recovery. In Xi Jinping's China, however, the "Zero-COVID" policy destroyed incomes while providing virtually no safety nets, abandoning millions of workers.
IV. Xi Jinping's Authoritarian Essence: The Enemy of the Working Class
Xi Jinping's dictatorship is not just an assault on labor rights—it is a betrayal of human values. He has strengthened military and police forces to create a repression machine centered on "stability maintenance". In 2024, China's officially reported military budget was 1.6% of GDP—likely much higher in reality—while social welfare spending was a pitiful 3%. This grotesque allocation of resources reveals the regime's view of workers as expendable tools.
Worse yet, Xi Jinping uses state media to glorify his rule and mask the suffering of the working class. Outlets like CCTV constantly broadcast slogans about the "China Dream" and "national rejuvenation", while staying silent on low wages, poor working conditions, and the lack of social support. This fraudulent "prosperity" narrative insults the intelligence of the working class and desecrates the spirit of Labor Day.
V. Workers' Awakening and Hope
Labor Day symbolizes the struggle for dignity and rights. Yet under Xi Jinping's authoritarianism, China's working class is stripped of its rightful protections and thrust into endless hardship. Compared to the respect and safeguards enjoyed by workers in democratic nations, Xi Jinping's China is truly a hell for laborers.
Xi Jinping's tyrannical reign will eventually collapse, and the dignity and rights of the working class will be restored. This May 1st, let us honor all Chinese workers fighting for survival and dignity—and call upon the international community to condemn Xi Jinping's atrocities and stand in solidarity with China's oppressed laborers in their pursuit of freedom!
