Many well-educated Chinese people are currently leaving their country. By the end of September, around 310,000 people had left China. They are increasingly emigrating to Europe and not just to the USA. Ralph Weber, professor at the University of Basel, classifies the migration.
SRF News: Why are so many Chinese women currently emigrating?
Ralph Weber: There are various reasons for that. Many are likely to be disillusioned by the less positive economic prospects. The harsh Corona policy has made this worse. Disillusionment is driving many to reorient themselves.
Many in these circles did not appreciate the fact that Xi Jinping had made himself ruler for life.
There was already a wave of emigration in the 1990s, especially among the rural population. Why are the well-educated Chinese leaving now?
This segment of the population in particular has actually benefited greatly from China’s rise. They had good, exciting and challenging jobs. With the authoritarian politics during the corona pandemic and Xi Jinping, who sometimes shows totalitarian tendencies, the class became more frustrated. Many in these circles did not appreciate the fact that Xi Jinping had made himself ruler for life. Furthermore, spending time abroad makes them less susceptible to propaganda. So the desire to emigrate among well-educated Chinese women is not surprising.
Many Chinese people used to emigrate to the USA. But now they prefer other countries, including European ones. Why this development?
Europe has a central position in world politics. The geopolitical conflict is between the USA and China. The USA also has a tough China policy. Starting in November 2018, many Chinese researchers and business workers were accused of espionage as part of the “China Initiative,” although the allegations were not subsequently substantiated. Even though the “China Initiative” ended in February 2022, some Chinese no longer feel comfortable in the USA. It is also more difficult to obtain a visa for the USA.
It is affecting China that very well-qualified people are now emigrating.
What does it mean for China if so many well-educated people are now emigrating?
It is a symptom of the state of the People’s Republic of China. The mood is not good and there is a lot of criticism of Xi Jinping in private conversations. It is affecting China that very well-qualified people are now emigrating. For decades, it has been important for the country to accumulate technological and scientific knowledge to catapult the nation to the next level. The emigration of around 310,000 people by September must also be put into perspective. Around 1.4 billion people live in the country. However, since the number is made up of highly qualified people, the exodus is notable and significant.
China depends on this well-educated workforce for economic progress. What is the government doing to prevent migration?
The government will monitor this and take action if necessary. It has a range of measures for this purpose. You should not forget that it is not so easy to get a passport in China. The state could tighten the screws. Stricter measures are to be feared.
The interview was conducted by Nicole Roos.