China to Create New Jobs with AI as 12.7 Million College Graduates Enter Workforce This Year

China Grapples with Severe Youth Unemployment, Seeks Job Solutions
At National People's Congress, "AI to Be Used for New Job Creation"
Xiaomi CEO: "AI Will Also Create New Professions"

The Chinese government has announced plans to actively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to create new jobs as a measure to address the severe youth unemployment problem.

The Chinese government has announced plans to actively use AI for creating new jobs. Xi Jinping, President of China. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

On March 9, Yonhap News reported, "Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of China, held a press conference on livelihood issues at the 4th session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on March 7."

On that day, Minister Wang stated, "We have confidence and capability in stabilizing and improving overall employment," but added, "At the same time, there are increasing factors that are uncertain and difficult to predict. Employment stability is facing new changes and challenges." He continued, "One of this year's key work tasks is to establish a job-friendly development model," and noted, "Currently, as AI is rapidly advancing, it is having a significant impact on employment, and everyone is paying close attention."

He explained, "AI is playing an active role in both creating new jobs and enhancing the capacities of existing jobs. At the same time, we are researching related policies to promote inclusive development that harmonizes technological progress and improvements in people's livelihoods." He added, "We will conduct large-scale internships and practical training for young people, and provide customized skills training for older workers." He further stated, "This year, the Chinese government plans to provide subsidized vocational skills training to more than 10 million people in fields such as new energy vehicles, AI technology, and health services."

Youth job seekers gathered at a job fair held on the 6th in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, eastern China. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Youth unemployment in China is a serious issue, with the number of college graduates entering the job market this year reaching 12.7 million. In response, the Chinese government has set targets for 2026, including keeping the urban unemployment rate at around 5.5% and increasing urban new jobs by more than 12 million.

Questions about jobs in the era of AI were also directed at Xiaomi, a major Chinese big tech company. Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi and also a delegate to the National People's Congress, predicted, "With the development of AI, the nature of work will change dramatically, and working hours could be greatly reduced." He suggested, "In the AI era, many rules will be rewritten," and argued, "In the future, people may work only three days a week and about two hours a day."

CEO Lei anticipated, "These changes will greatly improve the quality of life and work," and added, "AI will not only replace existing jobs but also create new professions." He emphasized, "We must embrace the new era with an open mind." Regarding the anxiety felt by young people preparing for employment due to AI advancements, he said, "It is important for young people to find industries and fields they like and build experience for three to ten years in those areas to become experts," stressing, "If you build expertise in a field, greater opportunities for growth will open up in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.