China’s retirement age raise may be approved in 2016
2016年退休年齡或將延遲
China’s plan to raise its retirement age in progressive steps may be put into action in 2016, but details remain under discussion.
中國正在考慮的延遲退休計劃可能將于2016年付諸實施,但是具體細節仍然有待討論。
China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRS) will submit the plan to authorities for approval this year, and simultaneously solicit public opinions on the matter.
中國人力資源和社會保障部將會在今年向當局提交計劃等待通過,同時征求公眾對此事的意見。
The potential for a higher retirement age has sparked discussion since it was first proposed. Many academics believe it is necessary for the country to raise retirement age in order to cope with the aging population and labor shortage.
However, the details for implementation are still in discussion. Experts debate whether it’s better to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach or more flexible measures.
Officials from MHRS previously disclosed that the age raise may start gradually, with authorities raising the retirement age by several months every year.
A report released by the Chinese Academy of Social Science found that if the retirement age was raised by one year every four years starting from 2020, China’s working population could be maintained at 450 million by 2050.
Raising the retirement age will also improve operation of the pension fund since paying members will increase, the report said.
這份報告說,由于交稅人口將增加,退休延遲還能完善養老金運作。
However, some experts believe that the plan should include some flexible measures. For instance, people could choose to retire earlier or later, but their retirement age would be linked with a pension. That way, those who pay more can also get more after retirement.
Others hold that China’s aging population and pension pressures do not permit the country to adopt flexible measures. They believe that a one-size-fits-all policy would be the most effective.
其他人認為中國的老齡化問題和養老金壓力不允許國家采用靈活措施。他們認為“一刀切”的做法更有效。
Regardless of the final decision, the adjustment will be brought about step by step after a long "warm up" period, analysts explained.