China’s Average Life Expectancy Reaches 79 Years, Surpassing National Target
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China’s average life expectancy reached 79 years in 2024, marking an increase of 0.4 years from 2023, a senior health official announced on Sunday.
Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, revealed the latest data during a press briefing on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session. He noted that China has achieved its goal of increasing life expectancy ahead of schedule, as outlined in the national health plan under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
The plan aimed to raise China’s 2020 life expectancy figure by about one year over the five-year period. In 2024, China ranked fourth among 53 upper-middle-income countries and 10th among G20 nations in life expectancy, surpassing the levels of 21 high-income countries.
Lei attributed this progress to the government’s health-first policies, the Healthy China initiative, and the influence of traditional Chinese lifestyles and cultural practices.
Furthermore, life expectancy in eight major municipalities and provinces—Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan—has exceeded 80 years. He also highlighted that health disparities among provincial regions are gradually decreasing, reflecting steady progress toward health equity.
Despite these advancements, China continues to face challenges from infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases. However, Lei emphasized that significant potential remains for further improving life expectancy in the country.
