Practical solutions to key livelihood issues addressed at China’s 2025 government work report.
Looking through the government work report, there are many measures to benefit the people, covering all aspects of life.
Strengthening Employment Amid Market Changes
Employment remains a pillar of public well-being. In recent years, the rapid increase in college graduates and the advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have intensified job market pressures, exacerbating structural imbalances.
According to this year’s government work report, China aims to create over 12 million new urban jobs in 2025, following the addition of 12.56 million jobs in 2024. This initiative is designed to stabilize and expand employment opportunities further.
To achieve this goal, China will support labor-intensive industries in job creation while ensuring a balanced integration of new technologies. Efforts will also be made to facilitate job transitions for workers affected by automation and AI. These measures aim to cultivate new employment opportunities and maintain labor market stability.
A Zhaopin.com report shows AI job seekers rose 33.4% in the first week of spring hiring, making it the fastest-growing industry. The demand for AI engineers surged by 69.6%, ranking highest among occupation growth trends. Additionally, the average monthly salary for AI-related positions now exceeds 20,000 yuan, underscoring the sector’s lucrative potential.
Education Reform Takes Center Stage
Education remains a focal point at the Two Sessions, with NPC deputies and CPPCC members addressing crucial issues such as strengthening AI education, improving after-school services, and fostering students’ innovative thinking.
The government work report outlines a three-year action plan to enhance the education system. It focuses on achieving high-quality, well-balanced compulsory education while expanding senior secondary school placements.
Additionally, China aims to integrate vocational and general education, strengthen industry-academia collaboration, and reform higher education institutions based on specialized categorization. These measures are intended to enhance undergraduate education quality and accelerate the development of world-class universities and academic disciplines.
For example, Tsinghua University recently announced plans to expand its undergraduate enrollment by approximately 150 students this year. This initiative seeks to drive education reform, nurture top-tier talent in the AI era, and reinforce China’s ability to cultivate homegrown innovators.
Addressing Elderly Care Challenges
With an aging population, elderly care services have become a critical concern. By the end of 2024, 310 million people aged 60 and above will make up 22% of China’s population. This demographic shift is driving a significant rise in demand for elderly care services.
However, several challenges persist, including a shortage of elderly care institutions, disparities in service quality, and an underdeveloped home-based care system. NPC deputies and CPPCC members have urged the government to strengthen elderly care infrastructure and enhance service quality.
The government work report underscores the importance of actively addressing population aging by refining policy mechanisms and fostering the growth of the silver economy. Experts note that seniors’ needs in China are evolving beyond basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. Increasingly, they require access to healthcare, elderly care services, and leisure activities.
By 2035, China’s silver economy could hit 30 trillion yuan, showing huge growth potential.
Written by Chen Wang, picture designed by Dai Qing, additional reporting from Global Times, CNS, China.com.
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