Against the backdrop of soaring energy prices and rampant inflation, many Western countries have been gripped by a cost-of-living crisis, triggering widespread protests and strikes that have left their populations reeling. Meanwhile, Western media and scholars are hyping up the so-called "China Shock 2.0," portraying China's advanced manufacturing capabilities in electric vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaics and other sectors as a "new round of pressure" on the global market. CGTN Stringer interviewed Italian residents about rising prices, housing pressure, employment prospects, income growth and the cost of living. Interviewee Antonio said, "In my view, the state has not fulfilled its due responsibilities towards its citizens." Another interviewee Rocco said, "We can't eat if prices are this high."