Amid risks of insufficient domestic demand and deflation in the Chinese economy, the Xi administration is pushing for a large-scale “trade in old for new” policy to boost consumption. In response to this initiative, the Executive Chairman of the China Household Electrical Appliances Association wrote a post today (15th) stating that household appliances, like food products, also have a “shelf life,” which sparked criticism from netizens.
On April 15, an article titled “Escaping Cognitive Misconceptions in Trading Old for New” was published on the fifth page of the Chinese Communist Party’s official media, Study Times, authored by Jiang Feng, Executive Chairman of the China Household Electrical Appliances Association.
In the article, Jiang Feng mentioned that there are certain cognitive misconceptions among many consumers regarding household appliances. Some believe that as long as it’s not broken, they can continue using it, and they prefer repair over replacement, with some even considering replacing appliances that are still functioning as wasteful. In reality, household appliances, like food products, also have a “shelf life.”
This statement faced backlash from netizens.
Property expert and Vice Chairman of the Nanjing Real Estate Association, renowned Weibo blogger “Meng Xiangyuan,” posted on Weibo, saying: “Chairman Jiang Feng of the China Household Appliances Association: Consumers have misconceptions about household appliances, thinking they can continue using them as long as they are not broken. Is this what it has come to in order to boost appliance sales? Chairman Jiang, do you have an expiration date, do you need to trade yourself in?”
Internet technology influencer and Weibo celebrity “Xiaoyao Liu Jie” said: “When I was young, my teacher told me that diligence and thrift are virtues. Now I also want to frequently change household appliances, the key is money, not blowing in with the wind… ”
Weibo celebrity “Xiao V Zhang Chengchuan” said: “The call to expand domestic demand must not stop! Indeed, the household appliances in the hands of the common people need upgrading, the key is to ensure that the common people have the means to upgrade!”
Real estate blogger and Weibo influencer “Lu Dan Ventures into the World” said: “Online, the title of ‘expert’ has long been ruined. Personally, trusting them might not only lead to financial losses but also potential life-threatening situations.”
Editor: Li Lin#