Reference News Network, January 12 report: On January 9, Russia's Free Media website published an article titled "Silver Hair Economy, Green Energy and Ten Million Jobs in Rural Areas - Major Achievements in China's Livelihood Field by 2025," authored by Dmitry Kapustyn. The article is translated as follows:

Human capital is one of the key terms for China in 2025. The Chinese government is striving to overcome the impact of the population crisis. The core of China's social policy is to improve the well-being and social security level of the people, especially in rural areas.

Free Media website summarized the main achievements China has made in the field of social livelihood.

Government Services Digitalization

In 2025, the coverage rate of digital ID cards and electronic social security cards increased significantly. Most social services, from medical reports to targeted subsidies, can be completed through a unified digital service platform.

"Rural Revitalization" Program

China has achieved great success in narrowing the urban-rural income gap. In 2025, investment in rural infrastructure created more than 10 million jobs in rural areas.

Old-Age Service System

To cope with the aging population, China has established a national old-age service system and integrated it closely with the medical system. This reform ensures that over 40 million citizens over the age of 80 receive care. Smart health elderly care projects based on digital technology have emerged. The government provides various subsidies to families who take care of elderly relatives. At the same time, the "silver hair economy" is developing and creating new jobs.

Clean Cities

Thanks to the transition to green energy, the air pollution levels in major cities in China further decreased in 2025. Public green spaces in big cities continue to expand, and green transportation develops. All these have significantly improved public health and helped China overcome many chronic diseases related to poor environment.

Popularization of Higher Education

In 2025, China's gross enrollment rate in higher education exceeded 60%, which has provided a large number of talents for high-tech industries and the medical field.

Hukou (Household Registration) System Reform

China simplified or completely abolished the household registration restrictions in cities with less than 3 million people.

Narrowing the Gap

The government greatly reduced the gap in living standards between the eastern and western regions of the country. Through targeted transfer payments, infrastructure construction, and employment incentives, the actual income growth rate of provinces in the central and western regions and rural residents exceeded that of big cities. Notably, thanks to national subsidies and support for the information technology industry, the unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 remained stable.

Healthcare Reform

In 2025, through the comprehensive deployment of artificial intelligence networks in grassroots medical institutions (clinics, outpatient departments), the early detection accuracy of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in rural areas increased by 30% to 40%. In addition, China has the world's largest medical insurance system, achieving almost universal basic medical insurance coverage (over 95%). All these measures have increased life expectancy to 79 years. In this indicator, China has surpassed more than 20 high-income countries.

Encouraging Births

China has implemented a comprehensive system of tax benefits and direct subsidies for families with two or three children. The scope of preschool education subsidies has been further expanded. A network of affordable daycare centers and kindergartens, both public and private, continues to develop. Many provinces have introduced additional maternity allowances for families with second and third children. (Translated by Zhao Zhipeng)

December 31, 2025, at the First Experimental Kindergarten in Zhanhua District, Binzhou City, Shandong Province, teachers teach children to make window decorations. (Xinhua News Agency)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7594381989403165203/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.