The Rollercoaster Journey of a Chinese Woman: From Poverty to Prosperity and Back Again

Sun Junli, a former successful businesswoman in China, went from poverty to prosperity as she built a chain of cafe restaurants. However, a change in government policy and the impact of the pandemic led to the collapse of her business, leaving her in debt and facing personal hardships. Sun's story reflects the challenges faced by many small-business owners in China, as the government under Xi Jinping tightened control over the economy, withdrew support, and punished entrepreneurs for their failures. The number of small firms closing their doors in 2021 outnumbered those opening, impacting China's economic growth. Small businesses make up a significant portion of China's private sector and contribute to tax revenue, economic output, and job creation. Sun now hopes to start a new food business but faces obstacles due to being on a national blacklist, limiting her ability to travel and access financial support.