China to Gradually Delay Statutory Retirement Age

State Council Meeting: On September 19, the State Council held a video conference to mobilize and deploy the implementation of the gradual delay of the statutory retirement age. Li Qiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, emphasized at the meeting that the reform aims to provide important support for advancing Chinese-style modernization.

Attendees included Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, Wu Zhenglong, State Councilor, and Chen Yiqin, State Councilor, who presided over the meeting.

Li Qiang pointed out that the implementation of the gradual delay of the statutory retirement age reform is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee based on the overall situation of the party and the country. All regions and departments should improve their political stance, unify their thoughts and actions with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, and do a solid job in implementing the reform.

Key aspects of the reform include strengthening systematic thinking, coordinating work preparation, and adhering to the principle of “voluntary and flexible” to implement the delayed retirement policy. Supporting policy measures will be formulated and improved as soon as possible, including policies that need to be directly connected with the reform plan, and those that need to be adjusted due to changes in the statutory retirement age.

The reform also aims to address the real concerns of the people, expand employment opportunities, strengthen pension security and services, and increase childcare services nearby. All regions and departments are required to strengthen organizational leadership, enhance coordination and collaboration, and take the reform tasks seriously to ensure smooth implementation and full implementation.

Representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Central Organization Department, the Central Propaganda Department, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, the National Health Commission, and the governments of Beijing and Shaanxi Province shared their perspectives at the meeting.