Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences on Monday to U.S. President Joe Biden over the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over Carter's death and extended sincere sympathy to his family.
In his message, Xi called Carter a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, noting that the late U.S. leader had long contributed to the development of bilateral ties, as well as the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
Xi said he deeply feels sorry about the death of Carter.
Noting that China-U.S. relations are one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, Xi said China is ready to work with the U.S. side to bear in mind the fundamental interests of the two peoples, follow the common expectations of the international community, and move bilateral relations forward on the right track of healthy, stable and sustainable development.
Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100, according to a statement issued by the Carter Center.
During Carter's presidency, the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America was issued, and the two countries officially established diplomatic relations on Jan 1, 1979.
Xi extends condolences over passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Xi extends condolences over passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
China on Wednesday announced interim measures for the implementation of a flexible retirement system, in a move to enforce the previously adopted policy of incrementally raising the statutory retirement age.
The measures stipulated the procedures for applying for flexible retirement and the requirements for receiving basic pensions, among other details.
Under the new policy, individuals will be allowed to retire up to three years earlier than the new statutory retirement age once they have met the minimum pension contribution requirements. But it is not allowed to retire earlier than the previous statutory age.
Individuals will be able to postpone retirement to an even later date if they reach an agreement with their employers, though this delay must not exceed three years.
Experts say the new retirement system offers flexible options for workers with different situations.
"The flexible retirement policy takes into full consideration the needs of different groups, allowing workers to flexibly choose their own retirement time and to better balance life and work. The lower-aged elderly who have willingness, capabilities, and conditions, could continue to engage in social production and service roles to realize their personal value," said Li Chang'an, researcher with the Academy of China Open Economy Studies under the University of International Business and Economics.
Chinese lawmakers voted in last September to adopt a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country, marking the first adjustment in the arrangement since the 1950s.
According to the decision adopted at the 11th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, the statutory retirement age for men will be gradually raised from 60 to 63 in the course of 15 years starting 2025, while that for women cadres and women blue-collar workers will be raised from 55 to 58 and from 50 to 55, respectively.
Starting 2030, the minimum year of basic pension contributions required to receive monthly benefits will be gradually raised from 15 years to 20 years at the pace of an increase of six months annually.
China announces interim measures for introducing flexible retirement system
