Reuters (04.01.2017) Shaanxi is set to be one of the first Chinese provinces to participate in a pension investment scheme that allows them to invest in financial markets for the first time, Shaanxi Daily, a newspaper in the northwestern province, reported on Wednesday. With many provinces under severe pressure to meet pension repayments, Beijing has promised to push forward an investment plan for idle local pension funds, holding an estimated $290 billion, that will seek higher returns through alternative investment channels for higher returns.

China.org (09.01.2017) Those suffering from occupational diseases will receive more welfare benefits following a newly issued plan urging local governments and companies to strengthen preventive measures. The plan, under the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), released by the State Council on Jan 4, will improve welfare for those working in harsh conditions and highlights those suffering from ailments such as pneumoconiosis or black-lung disease, exposure to radioactivity and chemical intoxication

Focus Taiwan (23.01.2017) A draft proposal for reforming Taiwan's pension system is seeking to raise the age of retirement with full benefits to 65, except for policemen, firefighters and K-12 teachers, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said Thursday.

Gov.cn (04.02.2017) Basic medical insurance and maternity insurance will be merged for urban residents in 12 cities from the end of June this year, as a pilot project, according to a circular issued by the State Council on Feb 3.

chinadaily.com.cn (02.03.2017) A senior official Wednesday called for a cautionary approach when investing pension funds, tempering expectations that a large amount of pension funds would enter the stock market.

El Economista (29.07.2016) El sistema de contribución definida que se maneja en Chile y en México a través de las administradoras de fondos de pensiones (AFP) y las administradoras de fondos para el retiro (afores), respectivamente, son viables; sin embargo, dependen de factores externos que no les permiten mejorar las pensiones de los trabajadores mexicanos ni de los chilenos, indicaron expertos.

meinsurancereview.com (13.07.2016) The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has decided to start a pilot programme for long-term care (LTC) insurance in 15 cities nationwide.

cnbc.com (22.07.2016) Escalating health care costs are set to place an unsustainable burden on citizens, underlining the need for drastic reforms, according to the World Bank.

China Business Review (06.05.2016) Rising labor costs in China are setting off alarms with foreign investors because of increasing minimum wages and living standards, as well as the extensively developed social security system. However, as the central government exerts pressure to maintain economic growth targets, the cost of employees’ welfare benefits has been substantially reduced.

Xinhua (06.04.2016) China will further deepen reform in healthcare this year with key factors for the reform discussed at a meeting of the central government on Wednesday.