In the first nine months of the year, around 10.52 million people found employment in urban areas across China, equivalent to 87.7 per cent of the annual target set by the government. The figures were released by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and reported by Belt and Road News Network (BRNN), a partner of TV BRICS.
According to the authorities, the country will continue to prioritise job creation during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), continuing its efforts to maintain stability in the labour market.
The deputy minister and spokesperson for the ministry, Li Zhong, emphasised that the government will seek to promote stable, high-quality jobs with more appropriate, fair and harmonious working conditions. Among the priorities are the preservation of jobs in labour-intensive sectors and the service sector, as well as the development of emerging industries to expand employment opportunities over the next four years.
“The Ministry will adopt more proactive fiscal and financial measures in the coming years and respond more effectively to the impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on the labour market,” said Li Zhong.
Another area of focus will be the strengthening of employment programmes targeting priority groups, particularly recent higher education graduates. Among the initiatives is the Xibu Jihua, known as the Western Development Programme, which offers graduates and postgraduate students the opportunity to work as volunteers for fixed periods in local education, healthcare, agriculture and public administration services.
“We will improve job-search services for students and graduates and help them enhance their employability through practical training programmes, including those focused on artificial intelligence skills. Companies are also encouraged to offer work placements to help students develop their skills,” said Song Xin, director of the Ministry’s employment promotion department.
The Ministry also intends to expand the training of professionals with skills aligned with technological advances and the needs of industrial modernisation, thereby contributing to the creation of new opportunities in the labour market.