China's hukou reform tested by local government reluctance, SCMP reports
According to the South China Morning Post, planned reforms to China's household registration system, the hukou, could be undermined by reluctance from local governments. The system determines migrant families' access to public services such as healthcare and education. Millions struggle to access services outside their home city.
China's decades-old household registration system, the hukou, is back on the reform agenda. According to the South China Morning Post, the planned changes could be tested by reluctance from local governments. The hukou determines where a person can access public services such as healthcare and education.
In one example cited in the report, a family that has lived in Beijing for more than 20 years still cannot obtain a hukou. As a result, the couple's child will have to attend school in a city 120km from their home starting in September.
The reforms aim to give migrant workers more equal access to services in cities. But local governments are wary of the burden of extra public spending. Analysts say the tension between central goals and local costs will shape the pace of reform.
Read next
India investigates Tata data leak that exposed Apple iPhone 18 Pro secrets
According to Straits Times, India is investigating a data leak at Tata, an Apple supplier. Files posted on the dark web include sensitive component and supplier lists, along with photos of iPhone 18 Pro models. The incident has raised concerns about supply-chain security.
Nigerian party backs state police, urges wider constitutional and fiscal reforms
Malawi moves to close money-laundering loopholes with new trusts law
EU pushes tech sovereignty plan to cut reliance on US and China
