Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need to address the sustainability of the pension system in China, driven by factors such as aging population, labor market challenges, and the potential for increased productivity through artificial intelligence. It argues that the issue is not a lack of material wealth but rather inadequate institutional arrangements to support social security [4][5][10]. Group 1: Factors Affecting Pension Sustainability - The first factor is demographic, with a rapidly increasing aging rate. By 2032, over 21% of China's population will be aged 65 and above, indicating a significant aging society while income levels remain relatively low compared to developed nations [7]. - The second factor is the labor market, characterized by structural employment issues, high youth unemployment (17.8% for ages 16-24), and the challenges faced by older workers nearing retirement [8][9]. - The third factor is labor productivity, which has the potential for unlimited growth due to advancements in artificial intelligence. The expected annual growth rate of the "supporting productivity" for the working-age population is projected at 5.55%, outpacing the growth of the elderly dependency ratio [9][10]. Group 2: Institutional Arrangements and Recommendations - Current social security arrangements are insufficient to share the benefits of increased productivity, necessitating reforms in the pension system to ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated by productivity gains [12][19]. - The article suggests establishing a universal social security system that includes a "living wage" and "unconditional basic income" to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and ensure comprehensive coverage for all citizens [19][20]. - It also advocates for a reconsideration of nominal account systems, emphasizing the need for a record-keeping approach that does not require actual funding but ensures the sustainability of the pay-as-you-go pension system [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need to reform China's social security system, particularly the pension scheme, in light of demographic changes, labor market challenges, and the potential for increased productivity through artificial intelligence [5][7][12]. Group 1: Factors Affecting Social Security Sustainability - The three main factors impacting the sustainability of social security are population dynamics, labor market conditions, and labor productivity [5][8]. - Population aging is accelerating, with projections indicating that by 2032, over 21% of China's population will be aged 65 and above, marking a significant demographic shift [8]. - The labor market faces structural employment issues, including high youth unemployment rates and challenges for older workers nearing retirement [9][10]. - Labor productivity has the potential for significant growth, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence, which could enhance the capacity to support the elderly [11][12]. Group 2: Institutional Arrangements for Sharing Productivity Gains - Current social security arrangements are inadequate for sharing the benefits of increased productivity, necessitating reforms in the pension system [12][16]. - The first pillar of social security is crucial; without a robust first pillar, the second and third pillars cannot function effectively [6][15]. - There is a need to improve the formalization of employment to ensure broader coverage of social security, especially for non-standard employment [13][14]. Group 3: Recommendations for Reform - Establish a universal social security system that includes a living wage and unconditional basic income to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence [18]. - Reconsider the nominal account system, focusing on a bookkeeping approach that records contributions without requiring them to be fully realized, thus addressing the current paradox in the pay-as-you-go system [19].