China to leverage AI in push to boost job creation, upgrade

China is studying and will roll out measures to enable cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to play a more important role in creating new jobs and optimizing traditional work, with the aim of promoting the inclusive and sustainable development of technology advancement and improving people's livelihoods.

"The nation has experienced greater employment challenges during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) but kept the job market stable thanks to a series of government policies to stabilize the economy, the nation's strong industrial chains and people's endeavors," said Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security at a news conference in Beijing on Saturday.

She expressed confidence in China's employment landscape as the nation maintains high-quality economic prospects, while noting that uncertainties and new challenges remain in efforts to keep the job market stable.

To promote high-quality and full employment this year, Wang said the ministry will strengthen guidance on building an employment-friendly development model and roll out effective employment promotion programs.

Noting the rapid development of AI technology and its influence on the job market, Wang highlighted that the ministry is studying policies to enable such technologies to play a greater role in creating new jobs and optimizing traditional work.

"We will increase support to labor-intensive industries, including foreign trade, construction, accommodation and catering, and tap the potential of industries such as digital economy, advanced manufacturing and modern services to create more jobs," she said, adding that the ministry will channel efforts to better regulate the human resources market and ensure wage payments for migrant workers, in order to protect workers' rights.

Wang said the ministry will continue to promote employment for key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers, with the number of college graduates projected to reach 12.7 million this year.

"Youths are precious talent who are energetic and creative. We will carry out large-scale internship programs this year to help them better engage in society and the workplace. For middle-aged and older workers, we will roll out skills training programs to help expand their careers," she said, adding that the ministry has organized 31,000 job fairs nationwide so far this year, with 22 million positions published.

"More job fairs and employment service programs will be available to people this year, and we will use policies such as giving employers and companies subsidies or entrepreneurs subsidized loans to improve people's well-being," said Wang Xiaoping.