More than 120,000 foreigners have subscribed to China's social security system so far, Hu Xiaoyi, China's vice minister of human resources and social security, said Monday.

Hu said at a press conference that local governments have been actively promoting the work since China offered to cover foreign employees with its social safety net last year.

The social insurance scheme that took effect October 15 last year allows foreigners with work permits in China to receive the same retirement, unemployment, medical, work injury and maternity benefits as Chinese citizens.

The ministry has maintained communication with foreign organizations and enterprises in China to solve problems in the detailed implementation of the scheme, he said.

The ministry is also negotiating with 13 countries and regions on bilateral social insurance agreements, including some preferential policies.

"It's an international practice that foreigners participate in local social insurance," said Hu. "Our nationals are also required to do so whether they work in Europe, America, Japan or Australia."

There are more than 200,000 foreigners with work permits living in China.