Core Viewpoint - The relaxation of the age limit for civil service examinations from 35 to 38 years signals a significant shift in employment policies, reflecting the changing demographics and labor market dynamics in China [4][6][11]. Group 1: Age Limit Changes - The age limit for civil service recruitment has been extended to 38 years, with some regions even allowing up to 45 years, indicating a broader trend of relaxing age restrictions in employment [4][6]. - The original 35-year age limit, established in 1994, was based on the need for "younger cadres" but has become outdated as the average age of the labor force has risen significantly [7][9]. - The average age of the labor force in China has increased from 32.25 years in 1990 to 39.72 years in 2022, with projections suggesting it may soon exceed 40 years [7][9]. Group 2: Implications of Relaxing Age Limits - The removal of the 35-year limit is part of a broader national strategy to ensure equal employment rights and eliminate unreasonable age discrimination, as emphasized in recent government policies [11]. - The central government's decision to relax age limits for civil service exams is expected to set a precedent for local governments, potentially leading to a nationwide trend of increasing the age threshold for public sector jobs [11][12]. - Concerns arise that the removal of the 35-year limit may lead to a new "38-year ceiling," but the focus remains on gradually reforming employment practices to adapt to demographic changes [11][12]. Group 3: Importance of the 35-Year Age Group - The 35-year age group corresponds to individuals born in 1990, representing a significant demographic of over 400 million people, primarily from the 80s and 90s generations [13][15]. - This age group is crucial to the current labor market, comprising a substantial portion of the workforce, particularly in the 30-49 age range, which accounts for over half of the employed population [15]. - Stabilizing employment for the 80s and 90s generations is essential for maintaining social stability, as they are the most affected by economic fluctuations and are integral to the workforce [15].

Core Viewpoint - The relaxation of the age limit for civil service examinations from 35 to 38 years signals a significant shift in employment policies, reflecting the changing demographics and labor market dynamics in China [5][11]. Group 1: Age Limit Changes - The age limit for civil service recruitment has been raised from 35 to 38 years, with some regions extending it to 40 or even 45 years for specific positions [5][7]. - The initial 35-year age limit was established in 1994, primarily to promote youth in leadership roles, but has become outdated as the average age of the labor force has risen significantly [8][10]. - The average age of the labor force in China has increased from 32.25 years to 39.72 years between 2022, indicating a demographic shift that necessitates policy adjustments [8][10]. Group 2: Implications of the Policy Change - The recent policy changes are part of a broader initiative to ensure equal employment rights and eliminate age discrimination, as emphasized in the "24 Measures" for stabilizing employment [11]. - The removal of the 35-year age limit is expected to set a precedent for further reforms, potentially leading to the elimination of age barriers in various sectors [11][12]. - The 35-year age limit disproportionately affects the 80s and 90s generations, which constitute a significant portion of the workforce, highlighting the importance of their employment stability for overall economic health [12][15]. Group 3: Labor Market Dynamics - The 80s and 90s generations, totaling over 400 million people, are crucial to the current employment landscape, making up a significant share of the workforce [12][15]. - This demographic is characterized by a high employment rate among individuals aged 30 to 49, with those aged 30 to 39 representing 27.6% of the workforce [15]. - The stability of employment for these age groups is essential for maintaining social stability and economic growth, as they are the most experienced and adaptable to market changes [15].