China to raise retirement age for first time since 1978, triggering anger

China will raise the retirement age for the first time since 1978, a move likely to slow a decline in the labour force but which has angered workers already wrestling with a slowing economy.

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The country's top lawmakers endorsed a plan to gradually delay retirement for employees, the official Xinhua News Agency reported on Sept 13.

Men's retirement age will increase from 60 to 63, while women's will rise from 50 and 55 to 55 and 58, according to the report.

This change will take place over 15 years, starting on Jan 1, 2025.

"Governments at all levels should actively respond to the ageing of the population, encourage and support the employment and entrepreneurship of workers," according to the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The country's top legislative body also called on officials to protect workers' rights and improve eldercare, and it empowered the State Council, China's Cabinet, to adjust the measures if necessary.