China’s rural pensions in focus as lawmakers fight for farmers’ fair share amid income gap

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Xinyi WuMarch 13, 2026 at 01:00 AM

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During China's "two sessions," some lawmakers are advocating for increased pension payments for elderly farmers to address the income gap between rural and urban residents. While the government approved a 20-yuan monthly increase, bringing the national minimum to 163 yuan, some deputies argue this is insufficient. They propose raising the minimum to 400 or even 500 yuan for older rural residents, citing their significant contributions to society through labor and agricultural production. These appeals highlight the ongoing challenge of rural-urban income inequality in China, where many rural residents struggle to afford basic living costs despite Beijing's efforts to boost rural spending. The lawmakers believe higher pensions are crucial for ensuring a fair share for farmers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 40% Lei Maoduan 60% Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) 60% Bi Lixia 70% National People's Congress (NPC) ×275% China ×590%

Keywords

rural pensions 100% income disparity 90% elderly farmers 80% rural-urban inequality 70% social security 60% pension payments 50% national people's congress 50% economic growth 40%