China Plans to Raise Retirement Age as Population Ages

China will gradually increase its retirement age over the next five years to address its aging population and strained pension system. Currently, the retirement age is 60 for men, 55 for white-collar women, and 50 for working-class women. The new policy aims for flexibility and voluntariness but lacks specific details. Estimates suggest the retirement age might rise to 65. China's pension fund is projected to deplete by 2035, worsened by a declining birth rate and population drop for the second consecutive year in 2023. Public reactions are mixed, with concerns about job availability for younger generations.