China youth unemployment hits 18.9% as record graduates face weak demand, AI adoption

China's urban youth unemployment (16-24, excluding students) rose to 18.9% in August from 17.9% in July, matching the year-ago level. The increase reflects a record influx of graduates colliding with weak domestic demand and AI-driven job displacement. This signals persistent labor market weakness, which may pressure consumption and growth, though the data is seasonally influenced and the government has previously revised methodology.