In Chinese labor law, the social security system is mandatory for all employees and includes retirement, health, unemployment, work injury, and maternity benefits.

The Chinese government administers the social security funds, whose inflows come from contributions assessed as a tax, but is essentially a wealth redistribution system designed to ensure social stability.

Social security is an important part of the overall social welfare policy; if there are shortfalls in funding, the government will subsidize disbursements from its general funds. Employees are only entitled to social security reimbursements if they are property enrolled by their employer.

Learn more about social security obligations in China here.