China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

China has allocated 66.7 billion yuan (about 9.4 billion U.S. dollars) this year to support employment as the country steadily enhances its ability to secure livelihoods.

At a press conference in Beijing on Saturday, China's Minister of Finance, Lan Fo'an, detailed the central government's fiscal measures to strengthen support for key areas like youth employment and education.

"Since the beginning of this year, the central government has allocated 66.7 billion yuan (about 9.4 billion U.S. dollars) for employment support, helping local areas assist key groups like college graduates and improve vocational training. Besides, from January to September, education spending nationwide has exceeded 3 trillion yuan (about 425 billion U.S. dollars)," said Lan.

The country also faces challenges associated with an aging population. China's population aged 60 and above reached nearly 297 million in 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total.

Lan stressed that the government is committed to enhancing services for seniors, including an increase in basic pension. Already, subsidies for residents' basic medical insurance have been improved.

"Basic pensions for retirees will be increased by 3 percent nationwide, greatly raising the minimum standard for basic pensions for both urban and rural residents. The annual fiscal subsidy for basic public health services will rise to 94 yuan (about 13 U.S. dollars) per person, and the annual subsidy for basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents will increase to 670 yuan (about 95 U.S. dollars) per person," said the minister.

China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

China allocates 66.7 billion yuan for employment support in 2024

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship "Silk Road Art" will provide emergency aid to Jamaica after a powerful hurricane lashed the country in the end of October, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed on Monday.

"Recently, the Chinese Navy's hospital ship the 'Silk Road Ark' arrived in Jamaica and will dock at multiple ports to provide humanitarian medical services to the Jamaican people affected by Hurricane Melissa. China empathizes deeply with Jamaica over the severe hurricane disaster it has suffered, and has provided emergency disaster relief assistance based on Jamaica's needs," Guo said at a press conference in Beijing in response to a media query.

"We believe that the 'Silk Road Ark' will convey China's friendship to the affected communities in Jamaica, helping to bolster their confidence as they overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes," said the spokesman.

The "Silk Road Ark" arrived at Montego Bay of Jamaica on Thursday for a 12-day visit. At the request of the Jamaican side, the Chinese hospital ship will dock at three ports in Jamaica - Montego Bay, Kingston, and Falmouth - to provide medical services to local residents.

On October 28, Jamaica was struck by a severe storm, which put the local healthcare system under immense pressure. Many patients urgently needing surgery have been waiting for treatment as the island sufferes medical facility damages and resource shortages.

Chinese naval hospital ship offers emergency aid to hurricane-hit Jamaica: spokesman