According to the Ministry of Human Resource, since the beginning of this year, China’s minimum wage standard has increased an average of 18.4 percent in 22 regions. Shanghai has the highest monthly minimum wage standard which is 1,620 yuan per month (US$265).Beijing and Xinjiang have the highest hourly wage standard at 15.2 yuan (US$2.5). It was estimated that, in the second half of this year, some businesses will face an increase in layoffs, delayed wage payments, and conflicts between the demand for wage increases from employees and employer’s inability to meet those demands.
Source: Xinhua, August 23, 2013
http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2013-08/23/c_117058634.htm