Ration cards – China's second currency

Due to shortages, ration stamps for commodities were part of daily life for 40 years. Beijing also used them as an instrument of power. Times have improved, and the ration stamps have become collector's items. Today, Xi Jinping would rather forget about this chapter in the history of the CP. Yet it could offer valuable lessons. In the meantime, he has turned to AI to monitor the population.

Last updated: 24. July 2025