Dongguan, China – Ren Wenbing, a 54-year-old former factory worker, stands in the abandoned shell of what was once a bustling furniture manufacturing site in Dongguan, China. Once a thriving industry hub, the factory has now been moved to South East Asia, leaving Ren and many others jobless and owed redundancy pay. With the changing landscape of China’s economy, Ren reflects on the challenges faced by millions of workers struggling to find employment in the evolving market.
In recent years, China’s industrial landscape has shifted towards high-tech industries like solar panels, lithium batteries, and electric cars, leaving traditional sectors like furniture and clothing struggling. The move towards cleaner energy technologies has led to a decline in foreign investment in China and a shift in global manufacturing trends away from the country. Despite the growing demand for green technology products, concerns have been raised about China’s alleged unfair economic practices and state subsidies.
Ren’s story of job loss and financial struggles mirrors the experiences of many migrant workers who left their hometowns to find work in industrial cities like Dongguan. Living away from their families, these workers face challenges in adapting to the new demands of the job market, which now require specialized skills and technological expertise. As China aims to revitalize its economy by transitioning to high-tech industries, workers like Ren find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with unemployment and financial uncertainty.
With the decline of traditional manufacturing sectors in Dongguan, the city is undergoing a transformation towards becoming a high-tech hub. Companies like Huawei are investing in new technologies and infrastructure, offering opportunities for innovation and growth. However, the shift towards high-tech industries poses challenges for workers like Ren, who lack the necessary skills to thrive in the new economy. As Dongguan embraces its future as a center for technological advancement, the fate of workers like Ren remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of China’s changing economic landscape.