Image missing.
Is this a 'very Chinese time in your life'? The trend boosting China's soft power

created: Feb. 14, 2026, 11:11 p.m. | updated: Feb. 15, 2026, 7:28 p.m.

Two, there is a lot the memes making it to the West don't show. China's youth are facing an unemployment rate that sits at more than 15% and burning out from a gruelling work culture, yet sharing too much of their pessimism online could alert internet censors. They are worried about finding a home as the country's property crisis continues, and dating is no easier than anywhere else.

1 month ago: BBC News