No

Zhou Peng'an

forum. Xinhuanet.com

I don't think it is appropriate to postpone the retirement age right now. Shortage of pension funds is not a convincing reason to extend the retirement age, as the Chinese Government is financially capable of providing pension for retirees. China's pension system has only been set up for 20 years, during which the salaries of workers were relatively low and a large part of the profits made by enterprises have been contributing to the government's tax coffers. As a result, pensioners deserve to be financially supported by the government.

Those who hope to postpone the retirement age are mostly workers in government organizations or monopoly state-owned enterprises, because the majority of their pensions are paid for by the public finances.

For the vast number of ordinary workers, pushing back the retirement age is adding insult to injury. Their salary is barely enough for survival and if the retirement age is delayed, it means that they have to contribute additional money to the system but receive the same pension as previous when they are retired.

Tian Hai

ycwb.com

It is unfair for the majority of people if the retirement age is extended for the reason of pension fund shortage.

As a country with excessive labor, it is better for elder citizens allow younger generations to the job opportunities. Also, many people would love to retire at an earlier age so that they can spend more time with their family and enjoy life. In reality, a majority of people worked as manual laborers. They will therefore not have the strength to continue into their 60s and postponing the retirement age to 65 will damage their health.

Moreover, this policy cannot be effectively implemented. Currently, most people work in private enterprises that are motivated by profit. These enterprises would rather hire younger employees as they are energetic and ask for a lower salary. As the working age increases, workers will ask for higher wages and better benefits, which cuts into the profits of the enterprises. Thus, the enterprises lay off workers, who would then have to wait years before they can obtain pensions, creating new social problems.

Zhao Jianxiong

qlwb.com.cn

Pushing back the retirement age may lead to new forms of social inequality. Enterprises have to pay more in social security for older workers. Thus, they are unable to recruit new creative talents at a lower cost, as 70 percent of social security contributions come from enterprises, including annuities, medical insurance, unemployment insurance fund and housing. They also cannot reemploy those skilled retirees as they did. Also, some workers are reluctant to work for additional years as they think they have paid their dues to society and would rather have more time to themselves.

Those who have not been employed full time also dislike this policy. They pay their own social security contributions in the hope of getting pension payments when they get old. If the retirement age is extended, they have to pay in increased pension contributions. It will make this group more vulnerable.