December 2024
16Dec

China. Families face realities of dealing with old age depression

At the age of 74, Wang Youlin had never imagined he would face the debilitating grip of depression. His life, once filled with laughter, adventure and the joy of watching his children grow up, began to unravel quietly in the months following his retirement. A formerly active man, he had been a basketball coach, shaping young minds and building lasting friendships with his students. But over time, something changed. The first signs were subtle. Wang, who usually got up at six...

December 16, 2024
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13Dec

China Expands Private Pensions Nationwide Despite Challenges

China is expanding its private pension fund pilot program nationwide to address retirement payout strains. The limitations of the experiment are already on display. Disappointing fund performance and a lack of investor interest are just some of the difficulties that private pension funds have encountered after China rolled out the program in 36 cities since 2022. The program allows workers to contribute as much as 12,000 yuan ($1,650) to tax-sheltered accounts similar to Individual Retirement Accounts in the US. It was...

December 13, 2024
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11Dec

AllianzGI Approved for China Pension Firm Stake

The investment arm of Allianz has been approved to become the first foreign asset manager to own a stake in China’s pension insurance company. Allianz Global Investors has received regulatory approval for investment in a 2 percent stake in Guomin Pension & Insurance Company, according to a statement. This makes it the first foreign asset manager to own a stake in the pension insurer. AllianzGI has been approved to subscribe to around 228 million newly issued shares in Guomin Pension worth approximately...

December 11, 2024
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04Dec

China raises veterans’ pensions for 20th consecutive year

In a move that underscores its commitment to supporting military veterans, China has announced increases to the pensions and living allowances enjoyed by certain retired service members and other eligible recipients. The adjustment marks the 20th consecutive year that China has raised allowances for veterans, reflecting a sustained emphasis on honoring their service, according to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. China has been working to better protect the rights and interests of the country's ex-servicemen and improve their well-being. In August, China...

December 4, 2024
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03Dec

The widening gender wage gap in the gig economy in China: the impact of digitalisation

The gig economy, fundamentally relying on the digital economy, is often celebrated for its potential to expand employment opportunities and close gender wage gaps. However, research on its gender impacts in China, the largest developing country with a rapidly expanding gig sector, is notably lacking. Employing discrimination theory, the findings challenge the prevailing optimistic view on the role of the gig economy. Utilising the China Labour Dynamics Survey data from 2014, 2016, and 2018, and applying the Bourguignon, Fournier,...

December 3, 2024
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November 2024
29Nov

Chinese Pension Insurance, Risk Attitudes, and Household Asset Allocation

By Hua Chen, Han Xiao, Yunxiao Guo & Ding Li Optimising household asset allocation is vital for expanding domestic demand in developing countries. This study uses 2017, 2019, and 2021 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data to explore pension insurance's effect on asset allocation among Chinese households. Key findings include that higher pension balances encourage investments in riskier assets. Specifically, for every 10% increase in pension account balances, the likelihood of investing in the risk asset market rises by 5%, and...

November 29, 2024
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26Nov

Demanding dignity for delivery drivers in China’s precarious gig economy

In August 2024, a viral video from Hangzhou showed a delivery driver kneeling before a security guard after being fined for scaling a fence to save time. The incident ignited protests among delivery riders, exposing the exploitation embedded in China’s food delivery industry. This moment, combined with the release of Upstream, a Chinese blockbuster highlighting the struggles of gig workers, has intensified public discussion about the plight of the 12 million Chinese delivery riders navigating precarious conditions. Their challenges expose deeper...

November 26, 2024
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14Nov

China’s economy adapts to serve older people

One person's aging is another's opportunity. In China, companies and services are adapting to serve what demographers call the silver economy - hundreds of millions of people over the age of 60. NPR's Emily Feng has this report. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) EMILY FENG, BYLINE: This is a drumming club in southwestern China for people over 65 years of age only. They've occupied a large warehouse base and filled it with rows of drums and disco lights. ZHU NANFEI: (Speaking Mandarin). FENG: Zhu Nanfei,...

November 14, 2024
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05Nov

China. Recommendations made for strict implementation of China’s Social Insurance Law

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, urges more sound and scientific regulations and law on the nation's social insurance operation after it sent an inspection team to review the implementation of the Social Insurance Law in recent months. The inspection team, consisting of 19 members, visited 16 cities and prefectures in six provinces from June to July, including Shanghai, Heilongjiang and Guangdong, to review the implementation of the social insurance law. The team also authorized...

November 5, 2024
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October 2024
29Oct

China. Beijing unveils policies for strengthening financial services

China's capital city Beijing has announced a series of policy initiatives for five key financial areas: tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance. These initiatives aim to bolster the capital's new quality productive forces and foster high-quality development in each sector. The guidelines for advancing inclusive finance in Beijing encourage banks to increase lending to small and micro enterprises, focusing on first-time loans, renewals, credit loans, and long-term financing options. The document also promotes developing insurance...

October 29, 2024
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