laogai

[ lou-gahy ]

noun

1. the system of forced-labor camps, prisons, etc., in China.

Word History and Origins

Origin of laogai¹

1990–95; < Chinese: literally, reform through labor

Example Sentences

Pang talks to activists and laborers, combing through Chinese media accounts, and making a convincing case that brands from H&M to AmericanGirl have reaped the benefits of cheap laogai, or forced labor.

From New York Times

This, in turn, increases the pressure on Chinese factories to deliver flexibly and cheaply, driving them to look for money-saving labor solutions, like those found in laogai prisons.

From New York Times

The Shanghai-born Wu, a U.S. citizen who died last April, was director the Laogai Research Foundation, a Washington-based human rights organization.

From Reuters

An irascible, strong-willed figure, Mr. Wu ended up spending much of that money on his organization, the Laogai Research Foundation, which had worked to expose China’s exploitative use of prison labor, especially those jailed for political crimes.

From New York Times

Wu’s work continued through his Laogai Research Foundation and museum in Washington.

From Wall Street Journal