(China Economic Roundtable) China boosts public welfare through people-centered development

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has consistently adhered to a people-centered development approach, adopting pragmatic measures in public welfare during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Wang Guanhua, an official with the National Bureau of Statistics.

She made the remarks during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

As living standards rise, public expectations for a better life have evolved, shifting from basic needs to greater emphasis on quality, diversity and convenience, such as higher-quality lifestyles, better living environments, and enhanced public services, Wang noted.

In response, China has implemented pragmatic public welfare measures, she added.

The country has bolstered its social safety net, with basic pension and medical insurance coverage consistently exceeding 95 percent, effectively safeguarding the population's basic needs, Wang said.

Regarding employment, China has implemented measures to stabilize the job market, including incentivizing enterprises to retain workers, enhancing job placement services and helping key groups, she said.

The annual urban employment growth consistently surpassed 12 million during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, she added.

Public services in education, culture and healthcare have also been prioritized, with a focus on equitable access and service quality.

In 2024, new workforce entrants averaged over 14 years of schooling, while average life expectancy reached 79 years, one year higher than in 2020 and five years above the global average, Wang said. ■