China to support college graduates, harness AI for job creation

China's human resources authorities are actively exploring measures to leverage artificial intelligence in creating new jobs and empowering traditional roles, while outlining a comprehensive strategy for high-quality employment growth in 2026, a senior official said Saturday.

Employment potential will be vigorously tapped in sectors such as the digital economy, high-end manufacturing and modern services, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Wang Xiaoping told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the national legislature.

The ministry will continue to intensify its efforts in developing new professions, focusing on areas such as new quality productive forces, new consumption hotspots, and services for public wellbeing, she said.

Over the past five years, the ministry has identified 72 new occupations, with more than 20 directly related to AI. Each new occupation is expected to generate jobs for 300,000 to 500,000 people in its early stages.

Minister Wang said the government in 2026 will deepen the implementation of the employment-first strategy, aiming to "strengthen guidance, expand channels, and secure key priorities" to achieve new progress in the job market, with a sharp focus on creating new jobs in emerging industries and supporting a record number of college graduates.

The ministry will launch coordinated actions to preserve, expand and improve employment. This includes increasing support for labor-intensive sectors like foreign trade, construction and hospitality to stabilize existing jobs. Concurrently, efforts will be made to tap into the employment potential of emerging fields, including the digital economy and advanced manufacturing, to create new positions amid industrial upgrading.

To enhance job quality, the government will implement mechanisms to adjust minimum wage standards, regulate the human resources market order and fully enforce the wage payment security system for migrant workers.

Addressing the employment of key groups, particularly youth, is a top priority. With an estimated 12.7 million college graduates entering the job market this year, the minister pledged to refine policies, explore all potential channels and expand opportunities at the community level. "We will help young people apply their talents across all industries," Wang said.

The minister also addressed public interest in skilled talent development. She announced that the 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27, 2026.

"Under the theme 'Skills Change the World, Skills Illuminate the Future,' we aim to present a high-standard, high-quality, and splendid skills event," Wang said. She added that hosting the competition would serve as an opportunity to place greater emphasis on "investing in people" and to inspire more young people to illuminate their futures through skills mastery.

To ensure continuous support, the ministry will roll out a series of year-round recruitment and job-matching services under the principle of "non-stop recruitment and uninterrupted job referrals."

The government will also leverage existing supportive policies, such as job retention rebates, social security subsidies and subsidized startup loans, to "use the strength of policy services to increase the warmth of livelihood security," the minister concluded.

(With input from Xinhua)