Encouraging filial care for aged

Besides concerns over whether decision-makers can resolve the widening gap between the country's pension account and its ageing population, people are also worried about whether the government can provide adequate public care facilities for the elderly.

With China's rapidly aging population, care for the elderly is a problem decision-makers can no longer um and ah over.

It is traditional in China for senior members of a family to be cared for by younger members. But it is now a brutal fact that many couples have no time to look after their elderly parents as both the husband and wife are working. This means they either have to pay someone to look after their parents or rely on public care facilities for the elderly.