As of November 30, 2024, the pressure on China's rural cadres has intensified significantly over the past decade, raising concerns about rural stability. Research conducted by Luo Shan from Wuhan University in July 2024 revealed that all seven leading cadres in a central Chinese village expressed a desire to resign, reflecting widespread discontent among local officials [b6ff0828].
This mounting pressure stems from Xi Jinping's poverty eradication campaign, which, despite its official conclusion, has left rural cadres grappling with ongoing demands. They are tasked with managing conflicts, meeting poverty targets, and providing extensive reporting, often under scrutiny [b6ff0828]. Dali Yang from the University of Chicago warns that such relentless pressures could lead to a governance collapse, as many rural officials feel disheartened and overwhelmed [b6ff0828].
The situation is exacerbated by the disparity between reported and actual conditions in rural areas, where many villagers face worse living situations than officially documented. This discrepancy has led to inflated income data, further complicating the cadres' ability to fulfill their roles effectively [b6ff0828].
Calls for loosening governance constraints are rare in public discourse, indicating a reluctance to address the systemic issues facing rural governance. The implications of this ongoing stress on rural cadres could have significant repercussions for social stability and the effectiveness of local administration across China [b6ff0828].