China’s economy has seen a significant decline, with continual human disasters under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Chinese people have become disillusioned with the CCP regime, with many describing it as entering a “historical garbage time”, a view that has become a consensus in public opinion. This perspective sparked widespread discussion and debate, especially as the CCP’s third plenum approached.
Former CCP officials have commented on the sudden onslaught of public opinion from the CCP, noting that the attention it has garnered indicates a challenge to the legitimacy of the regime and its official narrative. The term “garbage time” originally referred to the final moments of a sports match where the outcome is certain, and both players and spectators lose interest in the game.
In February of this year, Dr. Liu Junning, a former researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, used the term “historical garbage time” to describe the CCP regime’s countdown to regime change. He emphasized that during this period, no one can reverse the course of history, and the best course of action for ordinary people is to endure this time, a concept now popularly known as “lying flat”.
Following the widespread discussion around the idea of “historical garbage time”, the term became a trend in Chinese society. In early July, a female employee at a brokerage firm reportedly took her life due to despair over a significant drop in property prices and a substantial pay cut. This incident prompted discussions about management failures during such times and the importance of making wise choices, including lying flat and watching events unfold.
The CCP’s recent maneuvers have further amplified the public’s focus on the concept of “historical garbage time”. Overseas political commentator Tang Jingyuan stated that the widespread dissemination and acceptance of related viewpoints indicate that Chinese society is eagerly anticipating the end of this final stretch of “garbage time” and the dawn of a new era.
Exiled former executive director of the Legal Advisory Office of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Government, Du Wen, emphasized the precise positioning of “historical garbage time”, asserting that the current CCP regime has indeed entered this period. He noted that the CCP’s strong reaction to these criticisms stems from their challenge to the regime’s legitimacy and official narratives.
The current editor-in-chief of “Beijing Spring”, Chen Weijian, echoed these sentiments, indicating that the acceptance of the concept of “historical garbage time” by Chinese society essentially sentences the current CCP regime to death. He highlighted that the anger of those who have lost confidence in the CCP reflects a desire to bring about its downfall.
In early July, heavy rainfall in Hunan province led to severe flooding and numerous people going missing, raising concerns about the government’s response to the disaster. While the government called for donations to aid in disaster relief efforts, some individuals questioned why funds were being directed elsewhere instead of towards domestic relief efforts.
This shift in public sentiment towards disaster aid from proactive donation to skepticism reflects a significant erosion of trust in the CCP and its handling of crises. Notably, just three years ago during severe flooding in Henan province, a sports brand facing financial difficulties, “Hongxing Erke”, donated significant resources to disaster relief efforts, receiving public praise and attention.
The evolving attitudes towards disaster relief within Chinese society over the past few years serve as potent evidence of the population’s disillusionment with the authorities. The widespread circulation of the concept of “historical garbage time” and the CCP’s vehement response to it further exemplify the changing sentiments in Chinese society and the regime’s growing unease.
In conclusion, the concept of “historical garbage time” fundamentally challenges the CCP’s efforts to maintain power and self-preservation. The widespread acceptance of this idea indicates that many within and outside the system are quietly awaiting the final moments of the sinking CCP ship.