2025-05-30T07:00:08Z

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A recent announcement from a Chinese bank has ignited significant public outrage regarding issues of privilege and inequality in the job market. The controversy centers around Industrial Bank, a regional financial institution based in Fujian province, which reportedly offered to assist its affluent customers in obtaining prestigious internships for their children. This offer, which was made through a now-deleted post on the popular social media platform WeChat, has sparked a fervent debate across various online forums.

According to screenshots that have been widely shared on social media, the bank stated that it could facilitate work experience opportunities at renowned global companies such as Google and JP Morgan for the children of its clients. In order to participate in this scheme, families were required to deposit substantial amounts of money with the bank: 10 million yuan (approximately US$1.4 million) for those who were not private banking clients, and a reduced amount of 5 million yuan for individuals classified as private banking customers. This conditional offer raised eyebrows, with many criticizing the glaring disparity in access to opportunities based on financial status.

The announcement quickly went viral, triggering an intense backlash from users on Chinese social media platforms. Many commenters voiced their discontent, particularly in light of China’s alarming youth unemployment rate, which has reached unprecedented levels. This situation has been exacerbated by a series of recent scandals that have exposed nepotism and favoritism in the job market, leaving many young people feeling disillusioned and frustrated.

In response to the uproar, Industrial Bank quickly issued a statement on Tuesday, revealing that they had decided to pause the controversial offer. The bank expressed regret for any “misunderstandings caused by incomplete descriptions” in their original post. They clarified their position by asserting that they had not directly arranged internships for the children of their customers but intended to refer them to external recruitment consultants who could assist in the internship search.

This incident highlights a broader issue within Chinese society, where the gap between the wealthy elite and the average citizen continues to widen. The public's reaction serves as a reminder of the growing frustration regarding systemic inequalities, particularly in a nation grappling with rising youth unemployment and a desire for equitable opportunities in the workforce.