On Nov 2, the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its ninth briefing session on issues of major concern in Beijing, focusing on tackling issues related to aging population in line with the Chinese modernization. 

Vice-chairpersons of the CPPCC National Committee Shen Yueyue, Zhou Qiang and Wang Guangqian attended the meeting. 

Cong Liang, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), briefed the meeting that the commission has made solid efforts to improve top-level planning, build a supportive policy framework for the development of the elderly care service industry, establish elderly care service systems, and actively facilitate the growth of the "silver economy". Joint efforts have been made with local governments to cultivate an elderly-friendly social environment, as well as advancing international exchanges and cooperation to address elderly-related issues. 

Cong said that in the next step the NDRC will enhance the implementation of national strategies related to aging population, optimize the social environment, upgrade elderly and child care services, promote the "silver economy", and explore more effective measures that align with the Chinese modernization. 

Tang Chengpei, vice-minister of civil affairs, told the meeting that the National Working Commission on Aging, together with its member units, has continuously improved the policy system for elderly affairs and achieved significant results in enhancing social security, having continuously upgraded elderly care services since its establishment in 1999. 

Tang added that the ministry will strengthen public consensus on addressing challenges brought by population aging, promote the construction of a hierarchical and classified elderly care service system with Chinese characteristics, improve the working system, and provide solutions to difficulties and problems faced by most elderly people. 

Attending members of the CPPCC National Committee exchanged views with other participants of competent authorities on the building of an elderly care security system, the urban-rural coordination of basic elderly care services, and the intelligent technology empowerment of elderly care services. They also discussed how to further coordinate health service resources for the elderly in urban and rural areas, and cultivate more geriatrics professionals.