China adds 10.52 million urban jobs in first nine months of 2026

China recorded 10.52 million new urban jobs from January to September 2026, reaching 87.7% of its annual target.

The figures were announced in Beijing by Li Zhong, a vice-minister and spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The average surveyed urban unemployment rate for the first eight months was 5.2%, and officials described the employment situation as generally stable.

The government plans to support jobs for university graduates and other young people, migrant workers, and people in flexible or newer forms of work.

It also plans training and employment services, and is preparing rules to protect the rights of workers in new forms of employment.

By the end of September, 10.79 billion people were enrolled in China’s basic pension insurance, while unemployment and work-injury insurance covered 251 million and 327 million people respectively.

Officials said they would expand coverage and improve services, while strengthening oversight of social insurance funds.