China ramps up efforts in protecting veteran rights

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06:15

The protection of the legitimate rights and interests of veteran soldiers still requires improvement, said Sun Shaopin, head of Chinese Ministry of Veteran Affairs. According to Sun, more efforts in this area will be expected in the coming years.

The official made the remarks at the Ministers' Corridor press briefing of the 2019 Two Sessions.

The ministry is on its way of improving, Sun said, citing the central government's call for "comprehensive construction" on safeguarding veterans' welfare, including helping them find jobs.

"We are building relevant protection systems from the central government to the county level. That's six levels in total," Sun said.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs came into being on April 16, 2018. Based on Xinhua's reports, it is in charge of providing policies and regulations on demobilized military personnel, honoring the dedication and spirit of veterans, and dealing with veterans' retirement, reemployment and vocational training issues.

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan attends a ceremony to launch the Ministry of Veteran Affairs and addresses the inauguration ceremony, April 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

The ministry plans to encourage veteran soldiers to receive academic education and better implement supporting policies, which include providing free education and training.

The ministry will also improve vocational education for veterans to enhance their employability, such as holding more job-oriented and specific training programs. Meanwhile, it is also looking to cooperate with both state-owned and private companies, organize regional job fairs for veterans and set up information platforms for sharing job posts.

So far, 12 documents concerning better assistance to veterans who want to start their own businesses have been introduced, Sun added.

For veterans who want to start businesses, the ministry will help with tax cuts, set up investment funds and provide professional guidance.