A growing trend among Chinese youth known as "lying down" (tang ping) — opting out of the rat race to live minimally — has sparked an unusual warning from China's Ministry of State Security. The ministry claims the phenomenon is a brainwashing campaign orchestrated by foreign forces to weaken the nation's ambition.
In a video released this week, the ministry, typically focused on counter-espionage, singled out "lying down" as a threat. The term describes giving up on the pursuit of money, homeownership, marriage, and children — a response to soaring unemployment and fierce competition.
"Foreign anti-China forces are amplifying social anxiety online, distorting development issues, and promoting harmful ideas like 'effort is futile' and 'struggle is detrimental,'" the ministry stated. It warned that compromise might offer short-term relief but would never lead to an ideal life.
Despite the government's intervention, some citizens defended the practice. "It's normal. For many young people, it's the most comfortable state," one said. Another added, "If you need a transition period, lying down for a while is fine."
On Chinese social media, criticism of the ministry's claims surfaced. "The reason for lying down is a lack of hope," wrote one user. Another urged: "Solve job-hunting problems before telling grand stories."
Analysts view the warning as a sign of Beijing's anxiety over growing youth disillusionment, as economic pressures mount and traditional paths to success seem increasingly out of reach.