BEIJING—China is methodically moving forward with plans to incrementally raise the retirement age, as confirmed by Zhang Yong, the deputy head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, during a press conference on Friday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Zhang detailed the legislative process that followed the State Council's submission of a bill on this matter in early August. The bill was officially added to the legislative agenda on August 27, during preparations for the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, which began in mid-September.

On September 10, the session opened with Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Wang Xiaoping, providing an explanatory statement regarding the draft decision. Subsequent group deliberations by the lawmakers underscored the necessity of the NPC Standing Committee's decision, highlighting the need for a stable and methodical approach to the reform. The legislators collectively concluded that the draft was well-considered, taking into account various factors and aligning with the country's fundamental conditions and realities.

The Constitution and Law Committee of the NPC took these deliberations into account, revising the draft and preparing a review report. This revised draft was discussed further in group deliberations on September 12, and was ultimately passed on the morning of September 13.

This legislative move aims to provide a solid legal framework for major reforms, ensuring that changes to the retirement age are implemented smoothly and systematically to adapt to the country's evolving demographic and economic landscape.