China to expand job placement support for demobilized military officers and retired soldiers

China will provide stronger career-transition support, expand placement opportunities, and improve follow-up services for demobilized military officers and retired soldiers during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Minister of Veterans Affairs Pei Jinjia said on Friday.

Speaking at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, Pei said the ministry will focus on helping retired service members make a smoother transition from military service to civilian employment.

Policy guidance and career planning services will be provided both online and offline before and after service members leave the military, giving them a clearer understanding of placement policies and career options. Training will also become more targeted and practical, while internships and workplace experience programs will be organized according to local conditions to help them adapt more quickly to civilian jobs.

The ministry will further improve placement procedures under the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality, Pei said.

Local authorities will be encouraged to adopt methods such as points-based job selection, unified examinations, direct placement, and two-way selection. The goal is to help employers recruit suitable personnel while enabling retired service members to secure positions that better match their skills and experience.

Placement channels will also be expanded. Demobilized officers and eligible retired soldiers will continue to be assigned to government departments, organizations, public institutions, and State-owned enterprises in accordance with relevant regulations.

Government departments and public institutions will remain primary placement channels, while more grassroots civil service posts and positions at State-owned enterprises will be made available. Local authorities will also be encouraged to guide retired service members to work in border areas, small and medium-sized cities, counties, and townships.

Pei said follow-up services will also be strengthened after placement. The ministry will improve its full-cycle support and follow-up visit mechanism to ensure that receiving employers properly assign jobs, complete social insurance transfers, and provide the required benefits.

Publicity efforts will also highlight veterans who continue to make contributions after leaving military service, helping build broader public support for veterans' employment and placement.