China Considers Raising Retirement Age Amid Demographic Shifts and Workforce Challenges

Legislators debate strategy to incrementally raise retirement age in China

This action is in response to the nation facing a falling birth rate and swiftly aging demographic

The age of retirement was established in 1951 and ranks as one of the lowest globally. Presently, it stands at 60 for men and 55 for women in professional roles, while it is 50 for women in manual labor positions.

On Tuesday, legislators deliberated on a proposal from the State Council, China's cabinet, to incrementally raise the mandatory retirement age, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency.

Human Resources and Social Security Minister Wang Xiaoping introduced the proposal during a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the supreme legislative body, which is meeting until Friday.

The preliminary proposal remains confidential.

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China's aging population is moving towards retirement, presenting significant challenges.