Agriculture grew rapidly in the early 1980s but since 1985 has stagnated. About half of these workers are now either unemployed or underpaid. In China's industrial cities, it is now common to see workers demonstrating in front of government offices to demand their salaries or relief funds. The possibility of workers' riots, which could lead to broader instability, hangs ominously over the country. Store shelves are filled with goods but, except in the most wealthy areas, there are not many buyers.
People feel uneasy about the future and are reluctant to spend their money.
Twice in recent times the government has tried to stimulate consumption by reducing interest rates, but to little effect. People persist in trying to increase their incomes but opportunities are becoming harder and harder to find. Income disparities between rich and poor, between urban and rural areas, continue to grow. Corruption has spread so thoroughly that it has become virtually synonymous with government itself. The 'red' regime and the 'black' underworld are merging.