China reported the creation of approximately 10.5 million urban jobs during the first nine months of 2026, reaching nearly 88 percent of its annual employment target, according to figures released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The urban surveyed unemployment rate remained steady at around 5.2 percent across the first eight months of the year.

Building on employment gains during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25), when over 62 million urban jobs were added and unemployment held steady at similar levels, Chinese officials emphasized the continued prioritization of employment services in the current 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30).

At a news conference in Beijing, Li Zhong, vice-minister and spokesman for the ministry, outlined the government’s strategy to foster full and high-quality employment throughout the next four years. Measures include improving job market structure and balancing labor supply with demand while enhancing protections and fairness for workers, including those in flexible and gig economy roles. Li highlighted the anticipated impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, noting that the government plans to implement proactive fiscal and financial policies to mitigate related employment challenges.

The ministry also plans to focus on stabilizing jobs in labor-intensive and service sectors while cultivating opportunities in emerging industries. Vocational training programs will be expanded to better address structural mismatches in the labor market. The government aims to offer subsidized vocational training to about 10 million individuals annually and help 40 million workers earn government-recognized skills certificates during the five-year period.

Employment support will remain targeted toward key groups, including college graduates. Song Xin, director of the ministry’s employment promotion department, emphasized continuing policies to encourage businesses to retain staff and increase hiring, supported by tax incentives and subsidies. Efforts will also be made to maintain recruitment quotas within government departments and state-owned enterprises.

Initiatives such as the "Westward Project" (Xibu Jihua), which places graduates in grassroots roles across education, healthcare, agriculture, and public service sectors, will remain active to support youth employment, Song said. The ministry plans to enhance job-seeking services and practical training opportunities—particularly those focusing on AI-related skills—while encouraging companies to expand internship offerings. Increased oversight will target discrimination in recruitment and hiring practices.

Overall, officials pledged to bolster employment quality and sustainability through comprehensive labor market reforms, vocational training expansion, and reinforced protections, aiming to adapt China’s workforce to ongoing technological and industrial changes.