China needs its frightened officials to save the economy

After years of being hounded by anti-graft authorities, many are too afraid to act

OVER THE past decade, as Chinese governance has become more politicised and a fear of punishment has taken hold, local officials have changed the way they do things. Many are holding more meetings and issuing more documents—but much of this is just show, according to Hanyu Zhao, a scholar who tracks the bureaucracy. The burden of looking busy is often passed down to lower-level cadres, some of whom, at least, are getting creative. In one example highlighted by Ms Zhao, a group of them were required to hold two (unnecessary) meetings each day as part of an anti-poverty campaign. Instead they met once every three days, taking six photos per meeting with different outfits, lighting and seating.

This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Purge, purge, pardon”

From the February 1st 2025 edition

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