Business / brief
China Rises in Global Competitiveness as Gen Z Embraces ‘Lying Flat’
China climbed to 12th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking on June 18, 2026, yet the country’s Gen Z increasingly adopts a ‘lying flat’ mindset, reflecting a rejection of hyper-competitive social pressures.
China’s economy continues to gain steam on the global stage, with the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking placing the country 12th out of 70 economies, up four places from 2025. The ranking is based on business efficiency and labor market performance, underscoring China’s growing economic machine.
However, beneath the growth narrative, a significant counter-current is emerging among younger generations. The term ‘tang ping’ or ‘lying flat’ has entered the national lexicon since 2021, describing a quiet refusal to participate in the relentless pursuit of prestigious universities, ideal jobs, homeownership, and marriage on a strict timeline.
This sentiment reflects the emotional toll of a brutally competitive job market, exacerbated by a massive population and uneven economic development. Young people increasingly express a desire to escape the pressure-cooker lifestyle that has long been associated with China’s rise.
The phenomenon is not merely anecdotal. Online discussions and essays have turned ‘lying flat’ into a social movement, with many citing the punishing costs and the perceived unfeasibility of achieving traditional milestones in a hyper-competitive environment.