Scholars at Tsinghua University recommend moving China's retirement age gradually back to 65 by 2030, according to local media reports. Judging by the vociferous objections many Chinese Internet users expressed toward this plan, relevant authorities can't be too careful when it comes to delaying retirement.

There are two major reasons why so many people are opposed to such an idea. First of all, 70 percent of Chinese workers, men or women, are unable to continue working to the age of 65. Secondly, China is expecting greater pressure in the employment market during the decades to come. If older workers don't make way, this could create an unemployment problem for young people.

Before the government knows whether these problems are manageable, authorities should not consider delayed retirement.

The author is Tang Jun, secretary-general of the Social Policy Research Centre at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

China Economic Weekly