civil service

civil-service

To Lure Talent, China’s Civil Service Is Betting on Contract Hires

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

As competition for traditional civil service positions intensifies, China is increasingly turning to contract-based roles to meet new governance needs. Unlike traditional positions, these contracts offer flexibility and competitive salaries, bypassing the rigorous civil service exams.

Ding Rui

In China, Even Stanford Grads Are Fighting for Civil Service Jobs

A Stanford University graduate has ignited a social media storm by taking a job with an obscure township government in eastern China — highlighting the ferocious competition for state-sector positions.

Ye Zhanhang

In China, a New Generation of Climate Activists Suddenly Emerges

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Young Chinese are increasingly moving into environmental campaigning — a reaction to the growing impact of global warming on China, but also the shrinking space for feminist and labor rights groups.

Yuan Ye

Crammer vs. Crammer: Notes from a Civil Service Crash Course

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

Every year, millions of mid-career Chinese employees fight it out for highly competitive government jobs, enticed by the security and benefits they provide.

Liu Xiaoyun

In Pandemic-Hit Job Market, China’s Grads Flock to Civil Service

Applications for this year’s exam were up by 140,000 compared with 2019.

Zhang Wanqing

How Village Cadres Went From Power Brokers to Pencil Pushers

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

China’s cadres are increasingly professionalized. What does that mean for rural governance?

He Xuefeng

School District to Parents: Report Your Civil Service Ranking

Ostensibly aimed at preventing government officials from inflating their children’s test scores, the measure was later denounced by local education officials.

Wang Yiwei

China’s Civil Service More Competitive Than Ever

This year’s exam for aspiring public servants saw an average of 63 applicants vying for each open position.

Ni Dandan

Officer Sentenced to 10 Years for ‘Hukou’ Profiteering

Beijing cop pocketed $389,000 in bribes from people desperate for household registration in the capital.

Fu Danni

Candidate Tells Civil Service Their Recruiters Are Too Literal

Job applicant rejected because her master’s degree was in comparative literature instead of Chinese literature.

Yin Yijun

Beijing District Launches Online Dating Service

Chaoyang’s public servants want to help single seniors find love.

Qian Zhecheng

Jilin Public Servants Sacked for Slacking

Two cadres tried to bribe reporters not to publish exposé on government sloth and mismanagement. It didn’t work.