China Raises Retirement Age Amid Aging Population

China will gradually raise the retirement age for the first time since the 1950s to address an aging population and pension shortages. According to state media, women in blue-collar jobs will retire at 55, up from 50, while those in white-collar roles will retire at 58. Men's retirement age will increase from 60 to 63. The changes, effective from January 2025, will be phased in over 15 years. By 2039, workers must contribute to the pension system for 20 years to qualify for benefits, Xinhua reports. The plan has sparked online discontent.