China's phased free preschool education to benefit 12 million people

China's phased free preschool education policy will cover all children in their final year of kindergartens nationwide, benefiting around 12 million people this autumn semester, a Ministry of Finance official said at a press briefing on Thursday.

The vice Minister of Finance said, the policy is expected to save household spending by about 20 billion yuan in this autumn semester alone. China announced the phased exemption of care and education fees for children in their final year of kindergartens on Tuesday, as part of broader efforts to reduce the financial burden of education and enhance public education services.