China has formed an initial framework for its social security system and is making efforts to improve it.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security says China's social security system includes social insurance, welfare, relief and housing support.

Unemployment and medical insurance, as well as old-age pension plans and the minimum living standard provisions form the core of the system.

By the end of last year, the social security system had covered more than 100 million people. Subsistence allowances for urban residents have also been distributed to the needy.

The Ministry says that with the improvement of the social security system, more people in the country will benefit from it.

(CRI October 25, 2004)