On Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for a gradual and steady implementation of the reform to raise the statutory retirement age, highlighting its critical role in advancing Chinese modernization.
Speaking at a State Council meeting focused on mobilizing efforts for the reform, Premier Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, outlined the necessity of the reform in addressing the challenges of an aging population and promoting high-quality population development.
“The reform aligns with the objective requirement to proactively address an aging population and promote high-quality population development, as well as the practical necessity for fully unleashing talent dividends and facilitating Chinese modernization,” Li stated.
He underscored the significance of the reform as a major step toward enhancing the social security system and improving the livelihoods of the people.
Premier Li stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of voluntary participation and flexibility in implementing the delayed retirement policy, ensuring that it truly reflects the intentions of employees.
He called for the prompt development and refinement of supporting policies and measures, noting that policies requiring direct alignment with the reform plan should be introduced and implemented as early as possible.
Li highlighted the expansion of employment as a crucial measure to support the advancement of the reform. He urged the implementation and refinement of employment policies for college graduates and other young people, while ensuring the protection of workers’ rights and interests.
Moreover, he called for concrete efforts to strengthen old-age security and services, effectively implement policies to raise basic pensions for urban and rural residents and retirees, and enhance the coordination and adjustment of pension insurance at the national level.
Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, and State Councilor Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting. State Councilor Shen Yiqin presided over the session.
According to a decision adopted by Chinese lawmakers last week, the statutory retirement age will be gradually raised over the next 15 years starting from 2025. For men, the retirement age will increase from 60 to 63. For women working as cadres, it will rise from 55 to 58, and for women who are blue-collar workers, it will increase from 50 to 55.
China’s current statutory retirement age was established in the 1950s and has remained unchanged for over seven decades.
Reference(s):
Chinese premier stresses advancing reform on raising retirement age
cgtn.com
