China announces interim measures for introducing flexible retirement system

China on Wednesday announced interim measures for the implementation of a flexible retirement system, in a move to enforce the previously adopted policy of incrementally raising the statutory retirement age.

The measures stipulated the procedures for applying for flexible retirement and the requirements for receiving basic pensions, among other details.

Under the new policy, individuals will be allowed to retire up to three years earlier than the new statutory retirement age once they have met the minimum pension contribution requirements. But it is not allowed to retire earlier than the previous statutory age.

Individuals will be able to postpone retirement to an even later date if they reach an agreement with their employers, though this delay must not exceed three years.

Experts say the new retirement system offers flexible options for workers with different situations.

"The flexible retirement policy takes into full consideration the needs of different groups, allowing workers to flexibly choose their own retirement time and to better balance life and work. The lower-aged elderly who have willingness, capabilities, and conditions, could continue to engage in social production and service roles to realize their personal value," said Li Chang'an, researcher with the Academy of China Open Economy Studies under the University of International Business and Economics.

Chinese lawmakers voted in last September to adopt a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country, marking the first adjustment in the arrangement since the 1950s.

According to the decision adopted at the 11th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, the statutory retirement age for men will be gradually raised from 60 to 63 in the course of 15 years starting 2025, while that for women cadres and women blue-collar workers will be raised from 55 to 58 and from 50 to 55, respectively.

Starting 2030, the minimum year of basic pension contributions required to receive monthly benefits will be gradually raised from 15 years to 20 years at the pace of an increase of six months annually.

China announces interim measures for introducing flexible retirement system

UN secretary-general spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday urged an immediate de-escalation of the situation between Hezbollah and Israel, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon due to escalating hostilities between the two parties.

Dujarric said that more than 1 million displaced individuals, including nearly 370,000 children, have been registered in Lebanon. According to UN humanitarian agencies operating in the field, multiple areas across Lebanon continue to be attacked, with the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut being hit again overnight by airstrikes.

Over the past week, at least seven key crossing points over the Litani River in southern Lebanon have been attacked, restricting both the movement of people and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those fleeing the conflict. The UN and its partners continue to provide food, shelter, medical care, and protection support to affected families, Dujarric noted.

"We reiterate that there is simply no military solution to the conflict and continue to call for de-escalation and urge all sides to avail themselves of the diplomatic channels available to them and to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701," he said.

Resolution 1701 is a ceasefire arrangement adopted after the 2006 Lebanon War. It aims to end hostilities and promote security in southern Lebanon through joint efforts by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Dujarric said the ongoing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border continue to spill over, placing greater pressure on Lebanese civilians and humanitarian operations. UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is pursuing dialogue through various channels in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

The UN is concerned by both the hostile language and continued military actions by the parties involved, Dujarric said, stressing that Lebanon's territorial integrity and the Lebanese government's authority over the use of force and weapons nationwide must be respected.

UN urges immediate de-escalation between Hezbollah, Israel