China’s over-consumption

Over-consumption is ingrained in Chinese culture.

When Chinese people invite other to dinner, they usually over-order to show hospitality. This is over-consumption.

When Chinese people drink liquor on the dinner table, they can push beyond their bodies’ alcohol limit – drinking beyond the limit is usually seen as sincerity and deep friendship. This is over-consumption.

When Chinese people send gifts to each other during holidays, they often send things that are higher end then they consume. This is over-consumption.

The concept of “over-consumption” doesn’t mean it’s not necessary; indeed, those can be seen as “normal” rather than “over-consumption” for most Chinese. It’s only when you compare those consumption levels to countries like US, you can say it’s above the needed/common level.

If Chinese people are going to normalize their consumptions, there can be an oversupply in those categories.