Chinese youths feel insecure about their opportunities in education, employment, and politics, according to a study by Iman Research.

In a report titled "Kami Orang Sini Juga: Chinese Youths and Democratic Belonging - The Politics of Pragmatism and Fairness", released today, the think tank said it found a consistent concern among its 116 respondents about racial inequality within the system.

This has reinforced an inherited belief among young Chinese that they must find alternative ways to succeed.

"Whether they were discussing education, work, migration or politics, many returned to the same practical logic. If the wider system could not be relied upon, one should build enough personal or family capacity to manage around it.