China aims to raise average life expectancy to around 80 years in 5 years

China aims to raise the average life expectancy of its people to around 80 years through efforts in the five-year period from 2026 to 2030, said the country's top health official on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference held following the conclusion of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, said the current life expectancy of Chinese residents is 79 years.

The key Party meeting, which ended on Thursday in Beijing, deliberated over and adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development.

"Based on international development trends, our work foundation, and our overall national strength, we aim to increase the average life expectancy of Chinese residents from 79 years (in 2024) by one year to around 80 years within five years. Achieving this goal will be a significant milestone in meeting and adapting to people's expectations for a better and healthier life, reflecting the comprehensive results of high-quality development across various aspects of the economy and society. Our analysis indicates that this goal is entirely attainable," said Lei.

To realize this objective, Lei underscored the importance of strengthening medical and healthcare services through a health-focus strategy, which aims to reduce disease incidence and promote better health among the public.

He called for governments at all levels, society, and individuals to uphold and implement the principle of "prevention first".

Lei also highlighted the importance of establishing a comprehensive service system for early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, while strengthening the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases simultaneously, and further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of health outcomes.

Furthermore, efforts will focus on transforming healthcare services into a public good, ensuring equitable access for all. This includes promoting the coordinated development and governance of medical services, health insurance, and pharmaceuticals, while deepening public hospital reforms guided by a commitment to public welfare, said Lei.

China aims to raise average life expectancy to around 80 years in 5 years

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM