Recently, the internet personality and professor at Renmin University of China, Jin Canrong, has been publishing articles linking population size with competition among major powers, emphasizing the importance of population as a strategic resource, and calling for authorities to intensify pro-natal policies.
Critics on the internet have accused Jin Canrong of ignoring individual dignity and treating people as tools, labeling it as a moral coercion of the common people.
From September 5, Jin Canrong has been posting on social media stating that China (the Chinese Communist Party) is not only competing with over 300 million people in the United States but also with approximately 1 billion people in the entire Western world, making the population an extremely precious strategic resource.
Using Northeast China and Inner Mongolia as examples, Jin Canrong pointed out that in some cities with a population of millions, the annual birth rate is only a few hundred people, and once vibrant commercial streets are now deserted. Additionally, the Chinese population is aging, with the median age reaching 41.98 years by 2025 according to statistics.
Jin Canrong mentioned that population changes are a slow variable and may not show immediate impact. However, the issue is very urgent, urging the CCP at all levels to increase efforts in policies to slow down the declining trend in population.
He further stated that the vast population base is an important source of talent dividend and engineering dividend in China. He said, “In the past, when schools had hundreds of students, even if teachers did not put in much effort, many outstanding students would naturally emerge. Now, with a significant decrease in the student population, it is very difficult to cultivate outstanding talents even if teachers try their best.”
Jin Canrong’s remarks have sparked criticism from internet users, with many condemning his views, saying, “Throughout the article, all I see are tools, not people.” “If the pigs don’t give birth, the laborers from the landlord’s family will be anxious first.” “This person constantly promotes Sino-US confrontation, foreign capital is fleeing, there are no jobs, even marriage is difficult, and you still want people to have children? Is he sick?” “He always thinks about how to compete with others and never thinks about how to coexist peacefully.”
Some netizens have expressed that when “population” is still classified as a “strategic resource”, it indicates that they still do not understand why people are reluctant to have children. “First solve the problem of people over 40 without job positions.” “Now, is it that people don’t want to have children? It’s that they can’t afford to have children, as they cannot provide a good life for their children, and even their living environment has become more harsh!”
Some internet users have also stated that urging birth for the sake of national competition is a “moral coercion of the common people.”