Improving people's well-being remains China's policy priority: official

BEIJING - Improving people's living standards remains a priority for China's government work this year, Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, said in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

"This year's government work report emphasizes prioritizing people's livelihoods," Huang said, adding that a series of measures for education, social insurance, and medical and health services will be introduced to meet the people's needs.

On social insurance, the country has pledged to allocate more financial support to increase basic pension benefits for urban and rural residents, provide child care subsidies, and strengthen care for functionally impaired elderly people, according to the government work report, which was unveiled on Wednesday.

Economic development and livelihood improvements provide mutual reinforcement, particularly amid economic headwinds and insufficient effective demand, he said.

"Through policies to enhance living standards, the government aims to promote a positive interplay between improvements to people's lives, demand expansion and economic growth," he added.