China introduces labor protections and healthcare expansion plans

China has introduced two major policy initiatives aimed at social welfare and labor protection.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has released a draft proposal to protect the rights of workers in “new forms of employment.” This group, which includes approximately 84 million people such as food delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers, often operates under contracts that do not meet traditional employment criteria. The proposed measures aim to regulate platform algorithms, clarify government oversight responsibilities, and facilitate dispute resolutions.

Simultaneously, the National Health Commission and the National Development and Reform Commission have unveiled a plan to bolster medical rehabilitation and nursing services. Targeting cities with aging populations and high density, the plan mandates that by 2030, such areas should have at least one public rehabilitation hospital and one public nursing facility. The initiative also seeks to increase the ratio of specialized doctors and therapists while promoting the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare training and service delivery.