In a landmark decision, China has introduced a comprehensive retirement age reform aimed at enhancing flexibility and voluntariness for its workforce. On September 13, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted a resolution to gradually raise the retirement age over the next 15 years, marking the first adjustment since the 1950s.
The new policy increases the retirement age for men from 60 to 63 years. For women, the retirement age will be raised from 50 to either 55 or 58, depending on their job classification—50 for blue-collar workers and 55 for white-collar positions. This change positions China’s retirement ages among the lowest in the world’s major economies.
Emphasizing voluntary participation, the reform respects individual choices and acknowledges the diverse needs of modern society. By implementing these adjustments prudently and in phases, China aims to address the challenges of an aging population while maintaining a dynamic and flexible workforce.
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China's retirement reform reflects voluntariness and flexibility
cgtn.com
