China recognizes 17 new professions

BEIJING -- China's human resources authorities on Thursday unveiled a list of 17 newly recognized professions.

These new professions include cross-border e-commerce operations manager, drone swarm flight planner and electronic circuit designer, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The ministry also announced 42 newly classified types of work -- its largest expansion in recent years -- such as generative AI systems testing, and intelligent warehouse operations and maintenance.

Experts say the emergence of these new professions reflects evolving demand in production and everyday life, blazing new trails for Chinese jobseekers, especially those of younger generations.

China initiated its new profession recognition work in 2018. From 2019 to 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recognized 93 new professions.

The country's government work report this year set the target of creating over 12 million new urban jobs in 2025, with the aim of maintaining a surveyed urban unemployment rate of about 5.5 percent for the year.