China creates 10.52 million jobs, plans new AI and services employment measures

In the first nine months of 2026, China added 10.52 million urban jobs, meeting 87.7% of its annual target. Beijing announced plans to further boost employment in artificial intelligence and the services sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security reported a stable employment landscape, with an average urban unemployment rate of 5.2% from January to August.

To support job creation, the government unveiled initiatives, such as a program to help workers transition to AI-driven skills. It also aims to foster employment growth in the services sector, which the authorities consider a key job source. Vice Minister Li Zhong stated that the government would collaborate with other departments to craft a policy document promoting employment through services sector expansion.

The plan seeks to strengthen the services sector's role in absorbing workers from various industries. Beijing will also work to stabilize employment in labor-intensive sectors and identify job opportunities in emerging industries. Other measures include additional support for university graduates and young job seekers, as well as improving job quality for flexible workers and those in newer employment arrangements.

The announcements come as China seeks to balance technological advancement with employment stability, especially as artificial intelligence alters workforce skills demands. The government also provided updated figures on social insurance programs. As of September, basic pension insurance covered 1.079 billion people, while unemployment insurance protected 251 million individuals.

Work-injury insurance, including occupational injury coverage, safeguarded 327 million people. The combined balance of China’s three social insurance funds amounted to 11.2 trillion yuan ($1.67 trillion).

With these figures, China still requires about 1.48 million additional urban jobs in the final quarter to achieve its annual target of 12 million.