The Chinese Ministry of State Security recently released a political propaganda video blaming “foreign hostile forces” for the phenomenon of Chinese youth ‘lying flat’, sparking widespread mockery and criticism online. The video attempts to shift the blame for domestic economic weakness and youth unemployment issues onto these so-called “foreign forces”.
After the video was released on April 28th, it garnered a wave of ridicule from Chinese netizens, with comments such as, “In an era where people desire to ‘lie flat’ but cannot, ‘lying flat’ has become a conspiracy in the eyes of some.” The video was seen as an attempt to divert attention from the real problems faced by the youth in China.
Some netizens dug up a past video where Xiaomi founder Lei Jun discussed ‘lying flat’. Lei Jun was quoted as saying, “I have also ‘lain flat’ before, for over half a year. If you really can’t hold on, it’s actually okay to ‘lie flat’, it’s not embarrassing at all.” Netizens joked that Lei Jun might also be considered a foreign force, explaining the success of Xiaomi.
In response to the video, mainland blogger “Master Tang” created an animation parodying government officials not focusing on real issues but instead drinking tea and reading newspapers, while urging the public to “strive harder”, thus deflecting attention by attributing ‘lying flat’ to foreign influence.
Overseas social media platforms have seen a trend of mocking Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with various individuals creating artwork and memes depicting him ‘lying flat’. The satire is seen as a critique of Xi’s governance style and policies.
Scholar Wu Zuolai shared several traditional Chinese paintings depicting “Xi lying flat” with the caption, ‘One person lies flat, then all is peaceful’. This expression has become a symbol of the widespread societal disillusionment among everyday Chinese people.
In a creative response to the trend, activist Yang Ruohui posted a mock-up image of Xi Jinping ‘lying flat’ with the caption, “Lying flat is good, we should all learn to lie flat as much as possible. We can call it ‘Xi Jing Ping’. Isn’t this a form of non-violent non-cooperation?”
Artificial Intelligence-generated artwork titled “Elegant Art – Xi Lying Flat” was also shared by cartoonist “Spicy Pepper”, adding a satirical twist to the growing cultural commentary surrounding the concept of ‘lying flat’.
Former Chinese intelligence officer Eric commented, “The government’s warning against ‘lying flat’ reflects the late stage of the regime.”
Commentator “New Highlands” criticized the State Security Ministry for categorizing ‘lying flat’ as a foreign conspiracy, highlighting the authorities’ evasion of internal issues. The phenomenon of ‘lying flat’ is not laziness or brainwashing, but a rational response to the systemic despair caused by Xi Jinping’s governance and policies.
Some have humorously pointed out that the inciter behind the ‘lying flat’ movement might be none other than Marx’s son-in-law, prompting sarcastic calls for the Communist Party to hold him accountable.
Screenshots shared on social media platforms revealed varying opinions, with some accusing the Chinese Communist Party of being the real external force, persecuting Chinese citizens internally and supporting dictators externally.
Indeed, some netizens discovered a somewhat ironic connection, labeling Karl Marx as the ‘godfather’ of ‘lying flat’.