Millions of Chinese Apply for Limited Supply of Government Jobs

Job applications in the public sector have hit a record high amid China’s unemployment crisis and gloomy economy.

People attend a job fair in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, on Oct. 22, 2024. STR/AFP via Getty Images

For the 39,700 job positions in central government agencies opening up in 2025 in China, 3.25 million applicants are competing—with registrations for China’s national civil service examination having closed on Oct. 24.

The Chinese communist regime’s government jobs have for the past decades been considered by Chinese as “iron rice bowls” for their job security, stability, and benefits.