Multiple Chinese government agencies outlined new measures to improve childcare accessibility and affordability during a State Council Information Office press conference on Tuesday.
China on Monday issued a set of guidelines on further safeguarding and improving public well-being, and resolutely addressing the most pressing concerns of the people.
Explaining the new guidelines, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and National Health Commission (NHC) detailed policies aimed at enhancing public welfare, with one of the focuses on expanding inclusive childcare services for children under three.
The NHC emphasized efforts to build a more robust policy framework, ensuring families can access affordable, reliable, and high-quality childcare.
"We are building a '1+N' childcare service system, with comprehensive childcare service centers as the hub, and a network comprising childcare institutions, community-embedded childcare services, kindergarten-based toddler classes, employer-provided childcare, and home-based childcare points. We will support eligible kindergartens in offering toddler classes to promote the coordinated and sustainable development of preschool education and childcare services, and encourage medical institutions to support childcare service development, advancing standardized and professional childcare services," said Zhuang Ning, director of the NHC's Department of Planning and Information.
To reduce financial burdens, China has implemented tax deductions for families with children under three and encouraged local governments to subsidize childcare services. Over half of China's provinces have prioritized childcare development in their public welfare agendas, with 1,315 counties, cities, and districts introducing subsidies for childcare centers, operational support, and consumer vouchers to lower costs.
Strict standards have been established for childcare facilities, covering safety, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. Medical institutions will also provide health management services, including disease control and dietary guidance, to ensure regulated and professional childcare services.
Central government funding will support the construction of comprehensive childcare service centers and public childcare facilities, encouraging private sector participation. Flexible care options -- including full-day, half-day, hourly, and temporary care -- will be expanded. A batch of national demonstration programs are encouraged to incentivize cities to develop model childcare systems, raising overall service standards.
China expands affordable, high-quality childcare services to ease family burdens
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
