Reforming China's social security system: Facts and perspectives

This article overviews the social security reform started shortly after the commencement of the general economic system restructuring in China in 1978. The reform is remarkable not only for its scale in terms of population covered, territory affected and comprehensiveness sought, but also for the difficulties confronted, progress made and confidence achieved. Although there is still a long way to go to fulfil its ambitious ultimate objectives, 14 years of reforming exercises have built up a solid basis for a sound social protection system to be gradually extended to the non-covered population. China now can share its experience with other nations in a similar situation.