Intro:
Live from Beijing, I'am Tian Wei. You are watching "Dialogue" on CCTV International. Without sufficient social safety net, relying on their children used to be the only way to survive for villagers reaching an old age in China. Now there seems to be a change that things might change.
Recently, the Chinese government has created a new rural social pension plan, participating into which, any farmers who are 60 years old or older will get a minimum amount of cash of 55 yuan, or 9 dollars every month. Though a small amount, in some of the poorest rural areas, it certainly could be of great help to the elderly. The plan ends the history of villagers who have never enjoyed a penny as pension from the State.
Background report: