Politics · China · 6 hrs ago
China’s Li Qiang calls for broader, fairer social security coverage
Premier Li Qiang called for China to strengthen its social security system at a cabinet study session in Beijing.
He said population changes, new technology and more varied forms of work are putting new demands on the system.
China’s existing system is large, but the government wants to close gaps and make coverage fairer and more sustainable.
Flexible and newly employed workers are among those needing better coverage, with participation in social insurance to rise gradually.
Li also called for broader access to employer-sponsored retirement plans and more appealing personal pensions.
The government plans to improve other protections too, including health insurance, long-term care insurance and support for people who lose their jobs.
The next steps include expanding coverage and strengthening the system’s long-term funding and oversight.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for reforms to improve the country’s social security system at a State Council study session on November 12.
He said demographic changes, technological advances and diverse forms of employment are placing new demands on the system.
Li called for broader coverage of enterprise annuities and personal pensions, and for support for commercial health insurance.
He also urged improvements to protections for people in flexible and new forms of employment, and stronger oversight of social security funds.
SCMP reported that a former banking official warned China’s pension system could face a funding shortfall over the next 20 years.
- Who
- Premier Li Qiang called for improvements to the social security system.
- What
- He urged reforms to expand and strengthen social security coverage and make the system sustainable.
- When
- November 12, 2026.
- Where
- Beijing, at a State Council study session.
- Why
- Demographic changes, technological advances and diverse forms of employment are placing greater demands on the system.
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- Study session
- 22nd State Council special study session
- Date
- November 12, 2026
- Location
- Beijing
- Enterprise annuities
- Li called for wider coverage
- Personal pensions
- Li called for making the system more attractive
- Long-term care insurance
- Li called for orderly progress in establishing the system
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What people are saying
Demographic shifts, technological advances and increasingly diverse forms of employment are placing greater demands on China’s social security system, as the country’s economic and social landscape evolves