China Faces Backlash Over Plans to Increase Retirement Age

China plans to raise the retirement age to counter an ageing population and pension crisis, sparking strong citizen backlash. Current urban male retirement age is 60, and females retire at 50 or 55. Opposition on social media and protests highlight concerns over pensions and job availability.

China, in a move to counter its rapidly ageing population and a severe pension funding crisis, has expressed its intent to raise its statutory retirement age, as reported by CNN. However, the planned change by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has received severe backlash from citizens shortly after its announcement.

Currently, urban men can retire at age 60 and receive a state pension, while urban women retire at 50 or 55, depending on their occupation. The rural workforce operates under a different retirement system.

"In accordance with the principles of voluntariness and flexibility, [we] will steadily and orderly advance the reform of progressively delaying the statutory retirement age," the CCP announced during its Third Plenum, according to CNN. The country has reportedly been grappling with an ageing population for over a decade, increasing the number of people who depend on the state's pension system for survival.

In its 2013 plenum, the Communist Party emphasized the necessity to study and formulate a policy to delay the retirement age. A December report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences estimated the retirement age would soon be increased to 65. However, a 2019 report from the same think tank predicted that China's state pension fund could be depleted by 2035. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation of state funds.

The CNN report also noted that thousands of elderly people protested in major cities last year over reduced pension payments and medical benefits. A parallel outrage was observed on social media, with citizens expressing their displeasure over delayed pensions. Additionally, younger people voiced concerns that increased retirement ages would limit their job opportunities if older workers remained in the labor market longer.

On Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, the hashtag "advancing the reform of delaying retirement age" became a top trend. One popular comment read, "Please be aware: delaying retirement age only means you can't receive a pension until very late. It doesn't guarantee you would still have a job before that." Similarly, Xiaohongshu, a platform akin to Instagram, saw 100 million views related to posts with the hashtag "retirement age." Users questioned the "voluntary" aspect of delaying retirement, comparing it to previous involuntary policies.

China's unemployment rate rose sharply post-COVID-19, with employers continuing to reduce hiring even after lifting COVID restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)