presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net.
China now faces a multitude of social woes usually seen in more-developed economies better equipped to handle these chanllenges. It is growing old before it grows rich ---- bringing about an explosion of elderly Chinese even as the government has presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net.
I have difficulty in understanding "has presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net", especially the phrase "preside over" and the word "fraying" here.
thank you for your help and your time

Question

presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net.
China now faces a multitude of social woes usually seen in more-developed economies better equipped to handle these chanllenges. It is growing old before it grows rich ---- bringing about an explosion of elderly Chinese even as the government has presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net. 
I have difficulty in understanding "has presided over a fraying of the nation's socialist safety net", especially the phrase "preside over" and the word "fraying" here.
thank you for your help and your time

Answer

"Preside over" means to be in charge. "Fraying" means weakening, so it means that the social programs that protected people are weakening under the current government.

Answers · 1

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