China has achieved significant progress in expanding welfare protections for vulnerable children and elderly citizens during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), according to Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lu highlighted systemic reforms aimed at addressing gaps in social care and financial support.
Strengthening Child Protections
China established a nationwide protection system for children in need, including those classified as de facto unattended—a term covering minors whose parents are missing, critically ill, incarcerated, or otherwise unable to provide care. The program also extends to migrant children and "left-behind" children whose parents work far from home. Basic living allowances for orphans and vulnerable children rose by 26–32% since 2020, directly benefiting thousands of families.
Elderly Care Initiatives
Over 2.24 million households with elderly residents received home renovations to improve accessibility, while 86,000 community canteens and 500 model eldercare networks were established to support aging populations. Subsidies for seniors facing financial hardship or disabilities now reach 49.4 million people, reflecting China's focus on inclusive welfare policies.
"These measures demonstrate our commitment to building a society that leaves no one behind," Lu stated, emphasizing the role of community-driven solutions in addressing demographic challenges.
