BEIJING — A social security agreement between China and Japan covering nationals working in the other country will take effect on Sept 1, according to China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

Under the agreement, Japan will exempt China's dispatched employees, crew members, flight attendants, diplomatic and consular personnel and civil servants working in the country from the obligation to pay two major local annuities, while China will do the same for their Japanese counterparts.

Spouses and children living with Chinese nationals in Japan can also apply for exemption from social security contributions during their stay in Japan under certain conditions.

The agreement is expected to safeguard the social security rights and interests of Chinese and Japanese workers working in each other's country, reduce the burden of social security contributions on enterprises and employees of both sides, further promote economic and trade ties and facilitate personnel exchanges.

China has also signed bilateral social security agreements with 11 other countries, including Germany, France, Luxembourg and Serbia, nine of which have come into effect.