BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The surveyed urban unemployment rate in China stood at 5 percent in May, down 0.1 percentage points from April, official data showed on Monday.

Throughout the first five months of this year, the average surveyed urban unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

"The unemployment rate among the main working population remained stable, with the youth unemployment rate declining for the third straight month, reflecting continued stability in the overall job market," Fu Linghui, NBS spokesperson, told a press conference.

Fu noted that the employment situation has remained broadly stable despite increasing uncertainties in the global environment that have weighed on labor demand. He attributed the steady job market to a combination of sustained economic growth, improving industry dynamics, and stronger employment policies.

More proactive macro policies have expanded domestic demand and cushioned external pressures, Fu said, pointing to the positive role that the consumer goods trade-in program and holiday spending have played in sustaining employment.

Looking ahead, Fu emphasized the need to strengthen vocational training and improve the alignment between labor supply and demand to promote sufficient employment, so as to improve livelihood, sustain economic growth, and maintain social stability. Enditem