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China Life Insurance Company

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FY2003 Annual Report · China Life Insurance Company
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To Serve and Protect

1

Contents

目  錄

2

2

3

8

Financial Summary

Company Profile

Chairman’s Statement

Business Review

136 財 務 摘 要

136 公 司 簡 介

137 董 事 長 報 告 書

142 業 務 概 覽

24 Management Discussion & Analysis

158 管 理 層 對 財 務 狀 況 和 經 營 成 果 的 討 論

與 分 析

42

50

51

55

60

66

70

71

72

74

76

77

79

Report of the Board of Directors

176 董 事 會 報 告 書

Report of the Supervisory Committee

184 監 事 會 報 告 書

Connected Transactions

185 關 連 交 易

Executive Directors, Senior

Management and Supervisors

189 董 事 、 監 事 及 高 級 管 理 人 員

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

194 股 東 周 年 大 會 通 告

Corporate Information

Auditors’ Report

200 公 司 資 料

204 核 數 師 報 告

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

205 綜 合 損 益 表

Consolidated Balance Sheet

206 綜 合 資 產 負 債 表

Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of

Changes in Equity

208 資 產 負 債 表

210 綜 合 權 益 變 動 表

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

211 綜 合 現 金 流 量 表

Notes to the Financial Statements

213 財 務 報 表 附 註

120

Supplementary Information

for ADS Holders

254 供 美 國 存 托 股 份 持 有 人

參 考 的 補 充 資 料

125

Report on the Pro Forma

259 未 經 審 計 之 財 務 報 告

Consolidated Financial Information

127

Unaudited Pro Forma

261 未 經 審 計 的 模 擬 合 拼 損 益 資 料

Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

2

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Financial Summary

RMB million

Revenues

– Historic financial data

– Pro Forma financial data

Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders

– Historic financial data

– Pro Forma financial data

Investment Assets

Shareholders’ Equity

RMB

Earnings Per Share

– Historic financial data

– Pro Forma financial data

Company Profile

2003

2002

2001

2000

78,883

60,442

74,308

50,740

61,207

48,375

–

–

(1,428)

(2,250)

(3,295)

(6,990)

5,857

4,524

–

–

279,248

266,463

188,869

129,998

62,436

(175,463)

(172,348)

(170,045)

(0.07)

0.29

(0.11)

0.23

(0.16)

(0.35)

–

–

China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  (the  “Company”)  was  registered  in  Beijing,  China  on  June  30,

2003 according to the Company Law of the People’s Republic of China. The Company was successfully

listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on December 17 and 18,

2003 respectively. The Company is the leading life insurance company in China’s life insurance market

(for the purpose of this annual report, “China’s life insurance market” refers to the life insurance market in

the People’s Republic of China, but excludes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau

Special  Administrative  Region  and  Taiwan).  We  sell  products  and  services  through  the  most  extensive

distribution network of exclusive agents, direct sales representatives and dedicated and non-dedicated

agencies throughout China. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had over 48 million individual and

group life insurance policies, annuity products, and long-term health insurance policies in force. We also

provide accident and short-term health insurance policies for individuals and groups. The Company was

also elected as Best Insurance Company in Asia in 2003 by EuroMoney magazine.

The  Company  provides  products  and  services  including  individual  life  insurance,  group  life  insurance,

accident and health insurance. The Company is China’s largest life insurance company, a leading provider

of annuity products and life insurance for both individuals and groups, and a leading provider of accident

and health insurance. Through its controlling shareholding in the China Life Insurance Assets Management

Co., Ltd. (“AMC”), the Company became China’s largest insurance asset management company and one

of the largest institutional investors in China.

Chairman’s Statement

To Serve and Protect

3

Wang Xianzhang
Chairman

To all Shareholders:

I am honoured to present my first report of China Life Insurance Company Limited’s operating results for

the  year  ended  December  31,  2003  to  all  shareholders.  I  would  also  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to

express my sincere thanks for the support of our shareholders, and the close cooperation of the Board,

the Supervisory Committee and the Management of Operations. Furthermore, I would like to extend my

heartfelt thanks to our staff for their hard work and dedication.

2003 marked the Company’s transition to a new era in its history. The Company successfully restructured

and  became  the  first  domestic  financial  enterprise  to  be  listed  on  both  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange

and  the  Hong  Kong  Stock  Exchange.  At  the  same  time,  written  premiums  continued  their  growth  and

profit  and  earnings  significantly  improved.  All  in  all,  the  Company  fulfilled  the  promises  made  to  its

shareholders.

After the listing, the Company’s solvency level was strengthened and the actual solvency ratio reached

3.95 times the minimum solvency standards, thus providing room for business expansion.

Continuous improvement of our corporate governance structure

Pursuant  to  the  legal  requirements  and  the  requirements  of  regulatory  institutions  of  China  and  the

jurisdictions  in  which  our  shares  are  listed,  the  Company  further  improved  its  corporate  governance

structure in accordance with the prevailing corporate system. The Board of Directors, the four specialized

committees under the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Committee, and the Management of Operations

were formed and have assumed their respective duties. The Board of Directors appointed two independent

non-executive  directors  to  safeguard  the  interests  of  minority  shareholders.  Accordingly,  a  system  of

checks  and  balances  among  the  decision-making  body,  the  supervisory  body  and  the  operative

management was established.

4

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Chairman’s Statement

Maintaining strong growth in written premiums

Written  premiums  maintained  strong  growth  in  2003  on  the  foundation  of  rapid  expansion  during  the

previous two years. In accordance with Hong Kong accounting standards, gross written premiums and

policy  fees  of  the  transferred  policies  and  the  new  premiums  and  policy  fees  generated  after  the

restructuring amounted to RMB52.9 billion, representing an increase of 12.3% compared to 2002.

Continuous strengthening of the ability to prevent risks

We  have  proactively  created  a  better  operational  structure  and  business  environment  by  centralizing

operational data at the provincial level, computerizing the management of short-term insurance policies

business, further improving a comprehensive budget-control system and a structured evaluation system,

centralizing  the  administration  of  funds,  implementing  a  centralized  procurement  system,  and  adopting

stringent  cost  and  expenditure  control  measures.  The  Company  has  newly  developed  and  modified  26

insurance products. The Auditing Committee and Risk Management Committee, which operate under the

Board  of  Directors,  have  been  formed  to  strengthen  the  internal  control  and  auditing  protocols,  and  to

further strengthen the risk management capacities of the Company.

Significant improvement in profit and earnings

In  accordance  with  HK  GAAP,  the  pro  forma  net  profit  for  the  year  was  RMB5.86  billion  and  the  pro

forma net profit per share was RMB0.29.

Dividends

According to the resolutions of the Board of Directors’ meeting on April 23, 2004, no dividends for 2003

will be declared by the Company.

To Serve and Protect

5

2004 Outlook

Following its establishment, 2004 marks a very important year for the Company. Our individual insurance

business will continue to play a key role in business development. We will further strengthen our marketing

efforts,  raise  the  quality  of  our  agents  and  prioritize  the  development  of  a  profitable  business.  We  will

equally stress the importance of scale and profit in group insurance business. We will further expand our

intermediary networks. Risk control will be strengthened in our health insurance business. The Company

will actively develop new products and seek new business opportunities. We will strengthen our key city

strategy  to  maintain  our  leading  position  in  the  market.  Furthermore,  the  Company  will  seek  to  further

strengthen staff training, increase our talent intake and raise the overall quality of the staff.

Wang Xianzhang

Chairman

Beijing, China

April 23, 2004

6

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司  2003 年 年 報

To Serve and Protect

7

Largest
customer base
nationwide

8

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

INSURANCE PRODUCTS

The Company had more than 48 million individual and group life insurance policies, annuity contracts and

long-term health insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2003. It also offers accident and short-

term health insurance policies to individuals and groups. The guaranteed rate of return for life insurance

products has been capped at 2.5% by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission of the PRC (“CIRC”)

since June 1999.

INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE

The Company is the leading provider of individual life insurance and annuity products in China, offering a

variety of personal life insurance and annuity products. These products are primarily distributed through a

some 655,000-strong team of exclusive agents operating out of a nationwide network of around 8,200

field offices. The Company also distributes its products via a range of non-dedicated agencies located in

the  branch  offices  of  banks,  post  offices  and  other  organizations.  Gross  written  premiums  and  policy

fees generated by the Company’s individual life insurance products attributable to transferred and new

policies  totaled  RMB42,288  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003  and  RMB37,662  million  for

the year ended December 31, 2002, representing a RMB4,626 million, or a 12.3% increase year-on-year.

First-year  gross  written  premiums  and  policy  fees  from  individual  life  insurance  products  and  annuity

products  attributable  to  transferred  and  new  policies  during  2003  was  RMB13,284  million.  This  figure

represents  a  26.1%  decrease  over  2002  when  first-year  single  gross  written  premiums  and  policy  fees

for  the  same  period  was  RMB4,349  million  or  32.7%  of  first-year  individual  life  insurance  gross  written

premiums.  Deposits  generated  by  the  Company’s  life  insurance  and  annuity  products  attributable  to

transferred  and  new  policies  totaled  RMB77,318  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003  and

RMB52,340  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002,  representing  an  increase  of  RMB24,978

million year-on-year or 47.7%.

To Serve and Protect

9

The Company provides its policyholders with an extensive range of life insurance and annuity products

and services that offers them comprehensive coverage at every stage of their lives. Individual life insurance

and annuity products include whole life and term life insurance, endowment insurance and annuities.

The Company markets both non-participating and participating products. As of December 31, 2003, the

Company had approximately 25.8 million non-participating policies and 13.5 million participating policies

in  force.  Those  holding  participating  products  are  entitled  to  a  share  of  the  product’s  distributable

earnings, as determined by the Company in line with formulas prescribed by CIRC. Under CIRC guidelines,

such dividends must not be less than 70% of the distributable earnings of participating products. Since

their introduction in 2000, participating life insurance and annuity products have become the Company’s

fastest-growing business.

Whole life and term life insurance

Non-participating whole life and term life insurance. The Company offers both non-participating whole life

and term life insurance products.

Non-participating  whole  life  insurance  products  provide  guaranteed  pre-determined  benefits  upon  the

death of the insured in return for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-set period. These

premium  payments  are  normally  paid  at  a  level  rate  over  a  pre-defined  term,  which  may  cover  the

duration of the contract period or a specified age or timeframe.

The guaranteed rate of return for life insurance products has been capped at 2.5% by CIRC since June

1999.  The  Company  believes  that,  should  China  persist  in  operating  as  a  low  interest  economy,  the

insurance market will continue to move away from non-participating to participating products.

10

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

Non-participating term life insurance products provide guaranteed benefits upon the death of the person

insured  within  a  specified  time  period  in  return  for  the  periodic  payment  of  fixed  premiums.  Typical

periods  can  range  from  5  to  20  years  or  expire  at  specified  ages.  Death  benefits  can  either  be  evenly

spread over the life of the policy or increase in line with the duration of the policy. Premiums are typically

paid at a level rate for the duration of the coverage period. Term life insurance products are sometimes

referred  to  as  “pure  protection  products”,  in  that  they  normally  offer  policyholders  little  in  the  way  of

savings  or  investment  elements.  Unlike  whole  life  products,  term  life  insurance  policies  expire  with  no

value at the end of the coverage period if the person insured remains alive.

Participating whole life insurance. The Company also offers whole life participating insurance products.

Such  products  are  whole  life  insurance  policies  which  provide  an  additional  participation  feature  in  the

form of dividends. As a result, those holding participating products are entitled to a share of the distributable

earnings from participating products as determined by the Company in line with formulas prescribed by

CIRC. Under CIRC requirements, such dividends must not be less than 70% of the distributable earnings

of participating products.

Endowment

Non-participating endowment products. Non-participating endowment products provide the person insured

with a variety of guaranteed benefits should he or she survive specified maturity dates or periods stated

in  the  policy.  Should  the  person  insured  die  during  the  coverage  period,  such  products  also  offer

guaranteed benefits to his or her designated beneficiary. Specific coverage periods can range from 5 to

20 years or end at a pre-specified age. Premiums for such policies typically remain at a fixed level for the

duration of the coverage period.

Endowment  products  have  historically  been  among  the  most  popular  of  all  individual  life  insurance

products  in  the  China  market.  However,  the  Company  believes  that  should  the  prevailing  permitted

guaranteed rate of China’s life insurance market remain capped at its current 2.5% level as it has been

for several years, participating endowment products will become increasingly popular.

To Serve and Protect

11

Participating endowment products. The Company also offers participating endowment products. These

are  endowment  policies  that  provide  policyholders  with  an  added  participation  feature  in  the  form  of

dividends. Consequently, those holding such policies are entitled to a share of the distributable earnings

from  participating  products  as  determined  by  the  Company  in  line  with  formulas  prescribed  by  CIRC.

Under CIRC requirements, such dividends must not be less than 70% of the distributable earnings from

participating products.

Participating  endowment  products  are  among  the  Company’s  fastest  growing  and  most  successful

product lines. Hong Tai Endowment and Qian Xi Li Cai had the highest level of sales of the Company’s

participating  endowment  products.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003,  Hong  Tai  Endowment

had  deposits  worth  RMB34,536  million.  This  figure  represents  44.7%  of  the  total  deposits  for  the

Company’s  individual  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  transferred  and  new  policies.  First-year

deposits  for  Hong  Tai  Endowment  for  2003  were  RMB30,697  million.  This  figure  represents  an  31.7%

decrease over 2002 and 39.7% of total deposits for the Company’s individual life insurance business of

the  first  year.  During  the  same  period,  Qian  Xi  Li  Cai  generated  RMB8,876  million  in  gross  written

premiums. This figure represents 21.0% of total gross written premiums and policy fees for the Company’s

individual  life  insurance  business.  First-year  gross  written  premiums  for  Qian  Xi  Li  Cai  for  2003  were

RMB4,304 million. This figure represents a 56.6% decrease over 2002 and 32.4% of all first-year gross

written premiums and policy fees for the Company’s individual life insurance business.

Annuities

Annuities are used for both asset accumulation and asset distribution purposes. Annuitants make deposits

or pay premiums into their accounts and, in return, receive guaranteed level payments during the payoff

period specified in their contracts. The Company offers both participating and non-participating annuities.

In  the  case  of  non-participating  annuity  products,  all  risks  associated  with  the  investments  are  borne

entirely by the Company. A significant number of non-participating annuity products impose charges or

other fees on policyholders upon their early surrender of, or withdrawal from, the contract.

12

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

Participating  annuity  products  are  annuities  that  provide  policyholders  with  both  a  fixed  annuity  policy

and a participation feature in the form of dividends. The Company determines dividends for these policies

in the same way as it does for its life insurance policies. In common with non-participating annuities, a

significant number of participating annuity products impose charges or other penalties on policyholders

upon an early surrender or withdrawal.

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

The  Company  is  a  leading  provider  of  group  life  insurance  in  China  and  supplies  life  insurance  and

annuity  products  to  the  employees  of  some  of  China’s  largest  organizations,  including  many  Fortune

Global  500  companies.  The  Company  markets  its  group  life  insurance  and  annuity  products  through  a

10,000-strong team of direct sales representatives operating out of some 4,000 branch offices nationwide.

It also distributes such products through external insurance agencies and insurance brokerage companies.

Gross written premiums and policy fees the Company generated from its group life insurance products

attributable  to  transferred  and  new  policies  totaled  RMB432  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,

2003 and RMB477 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. These figures represent 1.0% of the

gross value of the Company’s total written premiums and policy fees attributable to transferred and new

policies for each respective year. The RMB432 million figure for 2003 represents a 9.4% decrease when

measured against 2002. The gross written premiums of group life insurance and annuity products for the

first year was RMB221 million, a reduction of 29.4% over 2002. Gross first-year single written premiums

for  2003  was  RMB204  million  or  92.3%  of  all  first-year  group  life  insurance  gross  written  premiums

attributable to transferred and new policies. Deposits generated by the Company’s group life insurance

and annuity products attributable to transferred and new policies totaled RMB10,117 million for the year

ending December 31, 2003 and RMB 6,232 million for the year ending December 31, 2002. As compared

to 2002, this represents an increase of RMB3,885 million or 62.3%.

The Company offers its group customers bundled annuity products and whole life and term life insurance

products they can use to serve as part of their overall employee benefit plans. Individual group products

are  also  marketed  on  an  independent  basis.  The  Company  believes  it  is  the  market  leader  in  the

development of group annuity products.

Group annuities. In the case of non-participating group annuities, the interest on an annuitant’s deposits

are credited to each participating employee’s personal account, with annuity payments being made from

the account to the employee. Such annuity payments can be either pre-determined in the policy contracts

or based on the interest rate for a fixed two-year deposit term as adopted by the People’s Bank of China

(“PBOC”).

The  Company  also  offers  participating  group  annuities.  In  the  case  of  participating  group  annuities,

interest on an annuitant’s deposits is either credited to the participating employee’s personal account, or

credited  to  both  the  participating  employee’s  personal  account  and  the  employer’s  group  account,

depending on the source of the deposits. Both payment methods are calculated at a guaranteed interest

rate  which  is  set  at  the  time  the  product  is  priced  and  is  subject  to  capping  by  CIRC.  The  CIRC  cap

currently stands at 2.5%. Formulas prescribed by CIRC entitle annuitants to a share of the distributable

earnings  as  determined  by  the  Company  derived  from  participating  products  in  excess  of  the  rate

guaranteed to participating employees.

To Serve and Protect

13

Group  participating  annuity  products,  including  Yong  Tai  Annuity  and  Group  annuity  (Retirement

Supplement),  are  among  the  Company’s  fastest  growing  product  lines.  As  of  or  for  the  year  ended

December 31, 2003, the total combined deposits for the Yong Tai Annuity and Group Annuity (Retirement

Supplement) were RMB9,128 million. This figure represents a 54.5% increase over 2002.

Group whole life and term life insurance

The Company also offers non-participating whole insurance products and term life insurance products.

All of the Company’s group whole life and term life insurance products insure against death, while some

also provide added cover against injuries due to accidents, dismemberment or disabilities due to illnesses.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

The Company is China’s leading accident insurance provider. The total value of gross written premiums

for  the  Company’s  accident  business  attributable  to  transferred  and  new  policies  totaled  RMB4,880

million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and RMB5,174 million for the year ended December 31,

2002.  These  figures  represent  9.2%  and  11.0%  of  the  Company’s  gross  written  premiums  and  policy

fees attributable to transferred and new policies for each respective year.

Accident Insurance Products

The Company offers a variety of accident insurance products and services targeted towards both individuals

and groups.

Individual accident insurance. Individual accident insurance products provide benefits in the event of the

death or disability of the person insured as a result of an accident, or reimburse him or her for medical

expenses arising from an accident. Generally, a death benefit is paid if the person insured dies within 180

days of suffering an accident. A disability benefit will be paid if he or she is disabled, with the size of the

resultant benefit depending on the extent of the disability suffered. If the person insured receives medical

treatment at a China Life -approved medical institution, his or her individual China Life accident insurance

products may provide added coverage for medical expenses. The Company also offers a wide range of

individual accident insurance products. They include accidental death and disability insurance for students

and  infants  and  comprehensive  coverage  against  accident  and  injury.  The  Company  has  additionally

tailored  products  for  individuals  requiring  special  protection.  The  range  of  options  on  offer  includes

accidental death and disability insurance for commercial air travel passengers and automobile drivers and

their passengers. Periods covered by the Company’s individual accident insurance products extend from

a few hours to one full year.

Group  accident  insurance.  The  Company  markets  a  variety  of  group  accident  insurance  products  and

services  for  businesses,  government  agencies  and  other  organizations  of  many  different  sizes.  The

Company  has  also  tailored  products  for  specific  industry  groups.  They  include  accident  insurance  for

construction companies.

14

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

HEALTH INSURANCE

The  Company  is  one  of  China’s  leading  health  insurance  providers,  offering  a  wide  range  of  health

insurance  products  and  services  for  both  individuals  and  groups.  Options  on  offer  include  disease-

specific  insurance,  medical  expense  insurance  and  defined  benefit  insurance.  The  Company  markets

such  products  to  individuals  and  groups  via  the  same  distribution  channels  that  it  uses  to  sell  its  life

insurance products. Gross written premiums for the Company’s health insurance business attributable to

transferred  and  new  policies  totaled  RMB5,325  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003  and

RMB3,764 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. These figures represent 10.1% and 8.0% of

the  Company’s  gross  written  premiums  and  policy  fees  attributable  to  transferred  and  new  policies  for

each respective year. The 2003 figure represents a 41.5% increase over 2002.

The Company has tailored health insurance products for both individuals and groups. Such products are

classified  as  being  short-term  policies  of  less  than  one  year  in  duration  or  long-term  products  with

timeframes  of  longer  than  one  year.  The  Company  also  offers  short-term  and  long-term  defined  health

benefit  plans,  medical  expense  reimbursement  plans  and  disease-specific  plans  for  both  individuals

and groups.

Defined health benefit plans. These plans provide policyholders with fixed payments based on the number

of  days  they  are  hospitalized  or  the  specific  type  of  medical  or  surgical  operation  they  must  undergo.

Policyholders can choose to pay their premiums via a single payment or on a periodic basis.

Medical expense reimbursement plans. These plans reimburse policyholders for a portion of their outpatient

or hospitalization treatment fees and expenses. Individual policyholders may either pay their premiums in

a  single  payment  or  on  a  periodic  basis.  In  the  case  of  certain  group  plans,  premiums  may  be  paid

irregularly as determined by the policyholder.

Disease-specific plans. These plans provide policyholders with a fixed payment benefit for various diseases.

Premium payments for such plans may be paid on either a single payment or periodic basis.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

The  Company  believes  it  now  offers  a  larger  distribution  force  and  a  more  extensive  geographic  reach

than any of its competitors. The Company’s distribution network now extends into almost every county in

China except Tibet. Nationwide, the Company now has some 655,000 exclusive agents operating out of

approximately  8,200  field  offices  for  its  individual  products.  It  also  has  a  further  10,000  direct  sales

representatives  in  more  than  4,000  branch  offices  to  market  its  group  products.  The  Company  also

distributes its individual and group products through a multi-channel network of non-dedicated agencies.

They  include  some  78,000  outlets  of  banks,  post  offices  and  savings  cooperatives.  Commission  rates

vary  by  product  and  are  based  on  factors  such  as  premium  payment  terms  and  periods  and  CIRC

regulations. The Company offers its many agents and representatives a comprehensive range of support

facilities that includes training programs, sales instruments and information technology systems.

To Serve and Protect

15

DIRECT SALES FORCE

The  Company’s  direct  sales  force  remains  its  primary  distribution  system  for  group  life  insurance  and

annuities, group accident insurance and group health insurance products.

Of  the  Company’s  direct  sales  force,  some  10,000  representatives  are  full-time  employees.  Operating

out  of  more  than  4,000  branch  offices  across  China  the  direct  sales  force  can  reach  into  almost  every

county in Mainland China. As a result, the Company believes its direct sales network enjoys a geographic

reach unparalleled by any other life insurance company in this market.

Individual agent force

The  Company’s  network  of  approximately  655,000  individual  agents  remains  its  primary  distribution

channel for both individual life, individual accident, and individual health insurance products.

The  Company’s  team  of  individual  agents  continues  to  be  a  very  valuable  asset  which  enables  the

Company  to  more  effectively  control  distribution  and  build  and  maintain  long-term  relationships  with

individual  customers.  Between  December  31,  2001  and  December  31,  2003,  the  number  of  individual

agents employed by the Company increased from approximately 450,000 to approximately 655,000. The

Company  believes  that  its  existing  and  potential  customers  prefer  the  personal  approach  provided  by

individual agents. As a result, the Company believes its individual agent force will continue to serve as its

core distribution channel.

The  supervision  and  training  of  the  Company’s  individual  agents  is  overseen  by  a  nationwide  network

comprising  more  than  7,000  supervisors  and  1,200  full-time  trainers.  The  Company  sets  product

management and customer service standards which all field offices and agents must meet, and conducts

field  tests  with  a  view  to  ensuring  quality.  The  Company  rewards  its  individual  agents  through  a

performance-related  remuneration  package.  It  includes  a  commission  rate  that  will  typically  decrease

over each policy’s premium payment period. In the case of short-term insurance products, the Company’s

exclusive agents are generally compensated on a fixed fee basis. Further motivations for agents include

performance-based bonuses and the organization of sales-related competitions involving individual field

offices and sales units.

Intermediaries

The  Company  also  provides  a  variety  of  individual  and  group  products  through  intermediaries.  This

distribution  channel  is  largely  made  up  of  non-dedicated  agencies  located  in  approximately  78,000

outlets across China. They include commercial bank branches, post offices and savings cooperatives.

16

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

Bancassurance. The Company maintains bancassurance arrangements with major banks and post offices

in China and currently generates a sizeable portion of all total sales through these channels. Bancassurance

is an increasingly important tool, and the Company’s stand-alone bancassurance department will continue

to dedicate substantial resources, with a focus on key Chinese cities. The Company will explore additional

strategic alliances with one or more banks. In the short term, the Company plans to further enhance the

attractiveness  of  its  products  and  services  by  tailoring  them  for  individual  banks  and  providing  training

and integrated systems support for its banking partners.

Other  non-dedicated  agencies.  In  addition  to  its  bancassurance  arrangements,  the  Company  now  also

markets individual life insurance products through other non-dedicated agencies. Such agencies currently

include outlets of savings cooperatives, travel agencies, hotels and airline sales counters. The Company

expects  that  its  non-dedicated  agencies  network  will  become  an  increasingly  important  distribution

channel for its individual products in future.

Other  intermediaries.  The  Company’s  group  products  are  also  marketed  through  dedicated  insurance

agencies and insurance brokerage companies. These intermediaries work closely with companies wishing

to select group life insurance providers and group products and services in return for commission.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The  Company  remains  committed  to  providing  its  current  and  future  customers  with  quality  insurance

and consultation services and to being responsive to their needs both before and after a sale. A specialized

customer service network is responsible for establishing uniform standards and procedures for all customer

policy-related services. The network’s many responsibilities include the handling of inquiries and complaints

from customers and the training of customer services personnel.

Customer  services  are  primarily  provided  by  customer  service  teams  operating  out  of  the  Company’s

branch and field offices throughout China. The Company provides support to customers in more remote

areas by mail and other channels. The teams also utilize alternative customer services channels, such as

wireless  telephone  networks  and  the  Internet,  to  complement  the  efforts  of  individual  service  units  and

the call center network.

UNDERWRITING AND CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

The  Company’s  individual  and  group  insurance  underwriting  involves  the  evaluation  of  applications  for

life,  accident  and  health  insurance  products  by  a  professional  staff  of  underwriters  and  actuaries,  who

determine  the  type  and  the  amount  of  risk  that  it  is  willing  to  accept.  The  Company  has  established

qualification  requirements  and  review  procedures  for  its  underwriting  professionals.  It  employs  detailed

underwriting  policies,  guidelines  and  procedures  designed  to  assist  our  underwriters  to  assess  and

quantify risks before issuing a policy to qualified applicants.

To Serve and Protect

17

The  Company’s  underwriters  generally  evaluate  the  risk  characteristics  of  each  prospective  insured.

Requests  for  coverage  are  reviewed  on  their  merits,  and  generally  a  policy  is  not  issued  unless  the

particular risk or group has been examined and approved for underwritings.

All  claims  the  Company  receives  from  its  policyholders  are  handled  by  staff  located  at  the  Company

headquarters  and  branch  office  network.  Typically,  claims  are  received  by  employees  or  agents  who

make a preliminary examination and forward the claims to a settlement department for further verification.

Once a claim has been verified, the amount payable is calculated and, once approved, is distributed to

the policyholder in question.

The  Company  manages  claims  risk  through  a  variety  of  organizational  and  computer  systems  controls.

Organizational controls utilized include specified authorization limits for various operating levels, periodic

and ad  hoc inspections  on  a  Company-wide  basis  and  expense  mechanisms  linking  payout  ratios  with

expenses for short-term life insurance policies. The Company requires that claims examinations must be

performed by two staff members. Similarly stringent requirements are used in assessing the qualifications

and suitability of all applicants for claims management posts. These control procedures are supported by

a computer processing system which is used to verify and process all claims.

INVESTMENTS

As of December 31, 2003, the Company held RMB279,248 million of investment assets. In compliance

with  the  Insurance  Law  of  China,  the  Company  invests  the  insurance  premiums,  deposits  and  other

funds  it  receives  primarily  in  bank  term  deposits  and  fixed  maturity  securities  such  as  government

securities, bonds issued by the central bank and state-owned policy banks of the Chinese government

and corporate bonds. The Company also invests in policy loans and securities investment funds largely

made up of equity securities issued by Chinese companies and traded on China’s securities exchanges.

Additional  Company  activities  in  this  area  include  participation  in  bond  repurchase  activities  through

inter-bank  repurchase  markets  and  repurchase  exchange  markets.  The  Company  may  not  engage  in

other securities investment without the prior approval of CIRC.

The Company directs and monitors all investment activities in line with a series of investment guidelines.

These guidelines include: (1) performance goals for investment funds; (2) specified asset allocations and

investment  types  based  on  regulatory  provisions  and  the  Company’s  level  of  indebtedness  and  market

forecasts; (3) specified goals based on the duration and asset-liability matching strategies; (4) specified

authorization  levels  required  for  the  approval  of  significant  investment  projects;  and  (5)  specified  risk

management policies and prohibitions. All Company investment guidelines are reviewed and approved by

its investment committee on an annual basis.

18

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Business Review

China  Life  Insurance  Asset  Management  Company  Limited  (“AMC”)  was  established  on  November  23,

2003  by  the  Company.  The  Company  owns  60%  of  AMC.  Prior  to  that,  a  specialized  investment

management department was responsible for investment management, which will subsequently be operated

by the AMC under the Company’s authorization and our investment guidelines.

Risk management

In formulating its primary investment strategies, the Company’s objective is to pursue optimal investment

yields while considering macroeconomic factors, risk control and regulatory requirements. The Company

is exposed to four primary sources of investment risk:

•

•

•

•

Interest rate risk;

Credit risk;

Market valuation risk; and

Liquidity risk.

The Company’s investment assets are principally comprised of term deposits and fixed income securities.

Consequently, interest rate fluctuations have had a significant impact on the Company’s rate of return on

its investments. The Company has tried to control its interest rate risk through adjustment of its portfolio

mix and terms, and, wherever possible, by managing the average duration and maturity of its assets and

liabilities.  However,  due  to  a  general  lack  of  long-term  fixed  income  securities  in  Chinese  financial

markets  and  restrictions  on  the  types  of  investments  which  the  Company  may  make,  some  of  the

Company’s  assets  are  of  lower  duration  than  its  liabilities.  Ultimately,  the  Company  believes  that  the

development of China’s financial markets and the gradual easing of investment restrictions will enable it

to better match its assets to its liabilities. Chinese financial markets currently do not provide an effective

means for us to hedge our interest rate risk.

To Serve and Protect

19

Investment portfolio

Term deposits

Term deposits primarily with commercial banking institutions in China represented 49.1% of the Company’s

total investment assets as of December 31, 2003.

Fixed maturity securities

Fixed maturity securities, such as Chinese treasury bonds, Chinese financial institution bonds and Chinese

corporate  bonds,  represented  25.3%  of  the  Company’s  total  investment  assets  as  of  December  31,

2003.

Securities investment funds

Securities investment funds consist of Chinese domestic investment funds that primarily invest in securities

that  are  issued  by  Chinese  companies  and  traded  on  China’s  securities  exchanges.  Such  investments

represented 3.8% of the Company’s total investment assets as of December 31, 2003.

Repurchase agreements

The Company entered into agreements to repurchase bonds in repurchase exchange markets. The value

of  bonds  repurchased  under  these  agreements  represented  5.0%  of  the  Company’s  total  cash  and

investment assets as of December 31, 2003.

Policy loans

The Company provides its policyholders interest-bearing policy pledge loans that enable them to borrow

not more than 70% of the cash surrender values of their policies. In general, these loans are secured by

the policyholders’ rights under the terms of the policies.

20

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Distribution Network

To Serve and Protect

21

22

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司  2003 年 年 報

To Serve and Protect

23

Most recognized
life insurance
brand

24

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Operating Results of 2003 and 2002 – Pro Forma Basis

We set forth below information and discussion regarding the pro forma effect of our restructuring for the

years  ended  December  31,  2003  and  2002,  as  if  it  had  occurred  at  the  start  of  the  years  ended

December 31, 2003 or 2002, respectively. The pro-forma financial data is on page 125.

The  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  information  is  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the

results that could have been achieved had the restructuring in fact occurred on those dates and is

not necessarily indicative of the financial results for any future periods.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2002

Pro Forma Net Premiums Earned and Policy Fees

Pro forma net premiums earned and policy fees increased by RMB6,059 million, or 13.5%, to RMB50,807

million  in  2003  from  RMB44,748  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  increases  in  net

premiums earned and policy fees in the individual life insurance business and health insurance business

offset in part by a decrease in net premiums earned and policy fees from group life insurance business.

Of  total  pro  forma  net  premiums  earned  in  2003,  RMB4,553  million  was  attributable  to  single  premium

products and RMB32,610 million was attributable to regular premium products (including both first-year

and renewal premiums).

Individual Life Insurance Business

Pro forma net premiums earned and policy fees from the individual life insurance business increased

by  RMB4,626  million,  or  12.3%,  to  RMB42,288  million  in  2003  from  RMB37,662  million  in  2002.

This increase was primarily due to an increase in sales of whole life products and growth in policy

fees. These were offset in part by a decrease in sales of non-participating endowment products due

to a shift toward participating endowment products, which are classified as investment products.

Group Life Insurance Business

Pro forma net premiums earned and policy fees from the group life insurance business decreased

by RMB45 million, or 9.4%, to RMB432 million in 2003 from RMB477 million in 2002. This decrease

was primarily due to a shift away from whole life products in favor of products which are classified

as investment products, which led to a decrease in premiums from risk-type products, as well as a

reduction in the level of our policy fees on some of our products due to increased competition.

To Serve and Protect

25

Accident and Health Insurance Business

Pro  forma  net  premiums  earned  from  the  accident  and  health  insurance  business  increased  by

RMB1,478  million,  or  22.4%,  to  RMB8,087  million  in  2003  from  RMB6,609  million  in  2002.  Pro

forma gross written premiums from the accident insurance business decreased by RMB294 million,

or 5.7%, to RMB4,880 million in 2003 from RMB5,174 million in 2002 and pro forma gross written

premiums from the health insurance business increased by RMB1,561 million, or 41.5%, to RMB5,325

million in 2003 from RMB3,764 million in 2002. These changes were primarily due to strong growth

in  premiums  from  sales  of  supplemental  medical  insurance  and  other  short-term  health  products.

Sales of accident insurance decreased due to increased competition.

Net Investment Income

Pro forma net investment income increased by RMB2,444 million, or 56.2%, to RMB6,790 million in 2003

from  RMB4,346  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  overall  increase  in  investment

assets, also impacted by a relatively higher level of investments in lower-yielding resale agreements and

bank deposits due to limited market capacity.

Net Realized Gains/Losses on Investments

Pro forma net realized gains on investments were RMB599 million in 2003, compared to RMB140 million

in 2002. This change was primarily due to increased net realized gains on equity securities.

Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments

We reflect unrealized gains or losses on investments designated as trading in current period income. Pro

forma  net  unrealized  gains  on  investments  were  RMB254  million  in  2003,  compared  to  net  unrealized

losses  on  investments  of  RMB560  million  in  2002.  This  change  reflected  unrealized  capital  gains  on

securities investment funds due to favorable conditions in the equity markets.

Insurance Benefits and Claims

Pro  forma  insurance  benefits  and  claims,  net  of  amounts  ceded  through  reinsurance,  increased  by

RMB3,933  million,  or  12.6%,  to  RMB35,213  million  in  2003  from  RMB31,280  million  in  2002.  This

increase was primarily due to an increase in insurance benefits and claims in the individual life insurance

business  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  business  volume.  Of  this  amount,  pro  forma  life  insurance  death

and other benefits increased by RMB1,510 million, or 65.4%, to RMB3,818 million in 2003 from RMB2,308

million  in  2002,  pro  forma  accident  and  health  claims  and  claim  adjustment  expenses  increased  by

RMB829  million,  or  20.5%,  to  RMB4,882  million  in  2003  from  RMB4,053  million  in  2002  and  the  pro

forma increase in future life policyholder benefits decreased by RMB1,594 million, or 6.4%, to RMB26,513

million in 2003 from RMB24,919 million in 2002. The increase in pro forma life insurance death and other

benefits  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  the  number  of  policies  in  force.  Pro  forma  life  insurance

death  and  other  benefits,  as  a  percentage  of  pro  forma  gross  written  premiums  and  policy  fees,  were

7.2% in 2003, an increase from 4.9% in 2002.

26

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Individual Life Insurance Business

Pro  forma  insurance  benefits  and  claims  for  the  individual  life  insurance  business  increased  by

RMB3,149 million, or 11.8%, to RMB29,946 million in 2003 from RMB26,797 million in 2002. This

increase  was  primarily  due  to  increase  in  business  volume  during  the  period.  Of  these  pro  forma

insurance  benefits  and  claims,  pro  forma  life  insurance  death  and  other  benefits  increased  by

RMB1,456  million,  or  77.0%,  to  RMB3,348  million  in  2003  from  RMB1,892  million  in  2002.  This

increase was primarily due to two types of policies, which we started to sell in 2000 and which pay

benefits to policyholders every three years. The pro forma increase in future life policyholder benefits

increased by RMB1,692 million, or 6.8%, to RMB26,598 million in 2003 from RMB24,906 million in

2002.

Group Life Insurance Business

Pro forma insurance benefits and claims for the group life insurance business decreased by RMB24

million,  or  5.9%,  to  RMB385  million  in  2003  from  RMB409  million  in  2002.  This  decrease  was

primarily due to a decrease in business volume. Of these pro forma insurance benefits and claims,

pro forma life insurance death and other benefits increased by RMB74 million, or 18.7%, to RMB470

million  in  2003  from  RMB396  million  in  2002  and  pro  forma  increase  in  future  life  policyholder

benefits  decreased  by  RMB85  million  in  2003,  compared  with  an  increase  of  RMB13  million  in

2002.

Accident and Health Insurance Business

Pro forma insurance benefits and claims for the accident and health insurance business increased

by  RMB809  million,  or  19.9%,  to  RMB4,882  million  in  2003  from  RMB4,073  million  in  2002.  This

increase  was  primarily  due  to  the  increase  in  business  volume  in  the  health  insurance  business,

offset in part by a decrease of average claim rate of health insurance business. Of these pro forma

insurance benefits and claims, pro forma accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses

increased  by  RMB829  million,  or  20.5%,  to  RMB4,882  million  in  2003  from  RMB4,053  million  in

2002 and pro forma life insurance death and other benefits (comprised of long-term health benefits)

were nil in 2003, compared to RMB20 million in 2002.

Policyholder Dividends and Participation in Profits

Pro forma policyholder dividends and participation in profits increased by RMB569 million, or 89.2%, to

RMB1,207 million in 2003 from RMB638 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase

in the overall amount of participating policies in force.

Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The  majority  of  acquisition  costs  are  deferrable.  Pro  forma  amortization  of  deferred  policy  acquisition

costs  increased  by  RMB1,191  million,  or  31.1%,  to  RMB5,023  million  2003  from  RMB3,832  million  in

2002. This increase was primarily due to the increase in number and overall amount of policies in force.

To Serve and Protect

27

Underwriting and Policy Acquisition Costs

Pro forma underwriting and policy acquisition costs primarily reflect the non-deferrable portion of acquisition

costs attributable to insurance policies. Pro forma underwriting and policy acquisition costs increased by

RMB267 million, or 48.1%, to RMB822 million in 2003 from RMB555 million in 2002. This increase was

primarily due to the increase in business volume during the period.

Administrative Expenses

Pro forma administrative expenses include the non-deferrable portion of policy acquisition costs attributable

to  the  insurance  policies  as  well  as  compensation  and  other  administrative  expenses.  Pro  forma

administrative  expenses  increased  by  RMB420  million,  or  7.1%,  to  RMB6,326  million  in  2003  from

RMB5,906 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to the increase in business volume.

Other Operating Expenses

Pro forma other operating expenses, which consist of employee housing benefits and legal and regulatory

costs,  decreased  by  RMB63  million,  or  14.7%,  to  RMB367  million  in  2003  from  RMB430  million  2002.

This  decrease  was  primarily  due  to  reduced  losses  on  sales  of  employee  housing,  which  has  been

phased out in accordance with PRC law.

Interest Credited to Policyholder Contract Deposits

Pro forma interest credited to policyholder contract deposits increased by RMB1,352 million, or 86.2%,

to  RMB2,920  million  in  2003  from  RMB1,568  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an

increase in the total policyholder account balance.

Income Tax

Pro forma income tax expense was RMB2,582 million in 2003, compared to RMB1,904 million in 2002.

This result was primarily attributable to a pro forma profit before tax and minority interests of RMB8,479

million.  The  2003  pro  forma  effective  tax  rate  of  30.5%  reflects  the  income  tax  rate  assuming  the

restructuring had occurred as of January 1, 2003 and assuming no tax losses were carried forward from

prior years.

Net Profit/Loss

For  the  reasons  set  forth  above,  pro  forma  net  profit  increased  by  RMB1,333  million,  or  29.5%,  to

RMB5,857 million in 2003 from RMB4,524 million in 2002.

28

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Insurance Solvency Requirements

In  March  2003,  the  CIRC  introduced  a  new  standard,  the  solvency  ratio,  to  measure  the  financial

soundness of insurance companies to provide better policyholder protection under the current regulatory

system. The solvency ratio of an insurance company is a measure of capital adequacy, which is calculated

by  dividing  the  actual  solvency  level  of  the  company  (which  is  its  admissible  assets  less  admissible

liabilities, determined in accordance with PRC GAAP and relevant rules) by the minimum solvency level it

is required to meet. The following table shows our solvency ratio as of December 31, 2003:

Actual solvency

Minimum solvency

Solvency ratio

As of December 31, 2003
(RMB in millions,
except percentage data)

50,948

12,906

395%

Insurance companies are required to calculate and report annually to the CIRC their solvency level and

twelve  additional  financial  ratios  to  assist  it  in  monitoring  the  financial  condition  of  insurers.  A  “usual

range”  of  results  for  each  of  the  twelve  ratios  is  used  as  a  benchmark.  The  departure  from  the  “usual

range” of four or more of the ratios can lead to regulatory action being taken by the CIRC. Among these

twelve financial ratios, the calculation of six ratios requires financial data of two previous years and we

are accordingly not able to calculate such six ratios for the year of 2003 because we were just established

in 2003.

We submitted our first report in 2004. Our solvency level as of December 31, 2003 was approximately

3.95  times  the  minimum  regulatory  requirement  and  the  six  applicable  financial  ratios  were  within  their

usual ranges.

To Serve and Protect

29

OPERATING RESULTS

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2002

Overview

As  discussed  elsewhere  in  this  annual  report,  the  restructuring  of  our  predecessor  CLIC  was

legally  effective  under  PRC  law  and  the  restructuring  on  June  30,  2003;  but  for  accounting

purposes,  the  restructuring  occurred  as  of  September  30,  2003.  Accordingly,  our  historical

profit and loss accounts data for 2003 includes the data for our predecessor through September

30,  2003  and  the  data  for  the  company  from  October  1,  2003  through  December  31,  2003.  As

described  more  fully  below,  the  year-on-year  changes  for  many  of  the  line  items  discussed

below reflect the effect of the restructuring. For example, net premiums earned and policy fees

for 2003 does not include any net premiums and policy fees attributable to the non-transferred

policies which were retained by CLIC for the time period from October 1, 2003 through December

31,  2003.  Likewise,  the  investment  assets  retained  by  CLIC  are  not  included  in  our  balance

sheet as of December 31, 2003 and the income from such retained investment assets attributable

to the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003, both realized and unrealized, is

not included in our profit and loss accounts. The impact of the restructuring on accident and

health business is less significant than that on individual and group businesses, since a greater

portion of accident and health policies are comprised of transferred policies.

Net Premiums Earned and Policy Fees

Net  premiums  earned  and  policy  fees  increased  by  RMB792  million,  or  1.2%,  to  RMB67,216  million  in

2003 from RMB66,424 million in 2002. This increase was significantly less than the 2002 increase over

2001  as  a  result  of  the  effect  of  the  restructuring  described  above.  The  increase  reflected  increases  in

net premiums earned from the individual life insurance business and accident and health business offset

in part by a decrease in net premiums earned and policy fees from the group life insurance business.

Net  premiums  earned  and  policy  fees  attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies  increased  by

RMB6,059  million,  or  13.5%,  to  RMB50,807  million  in  2003  from  RMB44,748  million  in  2002.  This

increase was primarily due to increases in net premiums earned from the individual life insurance and the

accident and health businesses offset in part by decrease in net premiums earned and policy fees from

the  group  life  insurance  business.  Net  premiums  earned  from  risk-type  participating  products  were

RMB13,417 million in 2003, a decrease of RMB1,131 million or 7.8% from RMB14,548 million in 2002.

This decrease was primarily due to a shift toward products which are classified as investment products.

Of  total  net  premiums  earned  in  2003  and  attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies,  RMB4,553

million  was  attributable  to  single  premium  products  and  RMB32,610  million  was  attributable  to  regular

premium  products  (including  both  first-year  and  renewal  premiums).  Of  total  net  premiums  earned  in

2002  and  attributable  to  the  transferred  policies,  RMB8,896  million  was  attributable  to  single  premium

products and RMB25,035 million was attributable to regular premium products.

30

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Individual Life Insurance Business

Net  premiums  earned  and  policy  fees  from  the  individual  life  insurance  business  decreased  by

RMB361  million,  or  0.6%,  to  RMB58,541  million  in  2003  from  RMB58,902  million  in  2002.  This

decrease  was  due  in  part  to  the  restructuring  effect,  as  well  as  a  decrease  in  sales  of  non-

participating endowment products due to a shift toward participating endowment products, which

are  classified  as  investment  products.  This  was  offset  in  part  by  an  increase  in  sales  of  whole  life

products and growth in policy fees.

Net premiums earned and policy fees from the individual life insurance business attributable to the

transferred  and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB4,626  million,  or  12.3%,  to  RMB42,288  million  in

2003  from  RMB37,662  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  sales  of

whole life products and growth in policy fees. This was offset in part by a decrease in sales of non-

participating endowment products due to a shift toward participating endowment products, which

are classified as investment products.

Group Life Insurance Business

Net premiums earned and policy fees from the group life insurance business decreased by RMB161

million, or 21.5%, to RMB588 million in 2003 from RMB749 million in 2002. This decrease was due

in  part  to  the  effect  of  the  restructuring  described  above,  as  well  as  a  shift  away  from  whole  life

products in favor of products which are classified as investment products, which led to a decrease

in premiums earned from risk-type products, as well as a reduction in the level of our policy fees on

some of our products due to increased competition.

Net  premiums  earned  and  policy  fees  from  the  group  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  the

transferred and new policies decreased by RMB45 million, or 9.4%, to RMB432 million in 2003 from

RMB477 million in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to a shift away from whole life products in

favor of products which are classified as investment products, which led to a decrease in premiums

earned from risk-type products, as well as a reduction in the level of our policy fees on some of our

products due to increased competition.

Accident and Health Insurance Business

Net  premiums  earned  from  the  accident  and  health  insurance  business  increased  by  RMB1,314

million,  or  19.4%,  to  RMB8,087  million  in  2003  from  RMB6,773  million  in  2002.  Gross  written

premiums from the accident insurance business decreased by RMB393 million or 7.5%, to RMB4,880

million in 2003 from RMB5,273 million in 2002 and gross written premiums from the health insurance

business increased by RMB1,480 million, or 38.5%, to RMB5,325 million in 2003 from RMB3,845

million  in  2002.  These  changes  were  primarily  due  to  strong  growth  in  premiums  from  sales  of

supplemental medical insurance and other short-term health insurance products. Sales of accident

insurance decreased due to increased competition.

To Serve and Protect

31

Net premiums earned from the accident and health insurance business attributable to the transferred
and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB1,478  million,  or  22.4%,  to  RMB8,087  million  in  2003  from
RMB6,609 million in 2002. Gross written premiums from the accident insurance business attributable
to the transferred and new policies decreased by RMB294 million, or 5.7%, to RMB4,880 million in
2003 from RMB5,174 million in 2002 and gross written premiums from the health insurance business
attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB1,561  million,  or  41.5%,  to
RMB5,325  million  in  2003  from  RMB3,764  million  in  2002.  These  increases  were  primarily  due  to
the same reasons as for the accident and health insurance business as a whole.

Net Investment Income

Net  investment  income  increased  by  RMB1,478  million,  or  17.7%,  to  RMB9,825  million  in  2003  from
RMB8,347  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  overall  growth  in  investment  assets
during 2003, notwithstanding a one-time drop in our total investment assets as of September 30, 2003
caused  by  the  de-recognition  of  assets  retained  by  CLIC  in  connection  with  the  restructuring  and  a
decrease in investment yield.

As of December 31, 2003, total investment assets were RMB279,248 million and the investment yield for
the year ended December 31, 2003 was 3.4% (which includes the investment yield for investment assets
held  by  CLIC  through  September  30,  2003).  As  of  December  31,  2002,  total  investment  assets  were
RMB266,463  million  and  the  investment  yield  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002  was  3.8%.  This
decrease reflected a relatively higher level of investments in lower-yielding resale agreements and bank
deposits due to limited market capacity.

Net Realized Gains/Losses on Investments

Net  realized  gains  on  investments  increased  by  RMB602  million,  or  226.3%  to  RMB868  million  from
RMB266 million in 2002. This change was due to net realized gains of RMB550 million on debt securities
and  RMB318  million  on  securities  investment  funds  in  2003.  In  2002,  the  net  realized  gain  of  RMB446
million  on  debt  securities  was  offset  in  part  by  net  realized  losses  of  RMB180  million  on  securities
investment funds.

Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments

We reflect unrealized gains or losses on investments designated as trading in current period income. Our
net  unrealized  gains  on  investments  in  2003  were  RMB247  million,  compared  to  net  realized  loss  of
RMB1,067 million in 2002. The results in 2003 reflected unrealized gains on securities investment funds
as of December 31, 2003 resulting from favorable conditions in the equity markets in 2003, compared to
a steep fall in the equity markets in 2002.

Deposits and Policy Fees

Deposits are gross additions to policyholder contract deposits. Total deposits increased by RMB26,627
million, or 41.2%, to RMB91,201 million in 2003 from RMB64,574 million in 2002. Policy fees increased
by  RMB1,086  million,  or  21.7%,  to  RMB6,096  million  in  2003  from  RMB5,010  million  in  2002.  These
increases  were  primarily  due  to  increased  sales  of  participating  products  in  both  the  individual  life
insurance  business  and  group  life  insurance  business,  offset  in  part  by  the  effect  of  restructuring
described above.

32

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Total  deposits  attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB28,863  million,  or

49.3%,  to  RMB87,435  million  in  2003  from  RMB58,572  million  in  2002.  Policy  fees  attributable  to  the

transferred  and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB1,349  million,  or  32.1%,  to  RMB5,557  million  in  2003

from  RMB4,208  million  in  2002.  These  increases  were  primarily  due  to  increased  sales  of  participating

products in both the individual life insurance business and group life insurance business. Total deposits

from  participating  products  increased  by  RMB27,986  million,  or  53.4%,  to  RMB80,376  million  in  2003

from  RMB52,390  million  in  2002.  Total  policy  fees  from  participating  products  increased  to  RMB4,214

million in 2003 from RMB2,563 million in 2002.

Individual Life Insurance Business

Deposits  in  the  individual  life  insurance  business  increased  by  RMB21,654  million,  or  37.1%,  to

RMB79,962  million  in  2003  from  RMB58,308  million  in  2002.  Policy  fees  from  the  individual  life

insurance  business  increased  by  RMB1,135  million,  or  24.5%,  to  RMB5,768  million  in  2003  from

RMB4,633  million  in  2002.  These  increases  reflected  increased  sales  of  participating  endowment

products, offset in part by the effect of restructuring described above.

Deposits  in  the  individual  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies

increased by RMB24,978 million, or 47.7%, to RMB77,318 million in 2003 from RMB52,340 million

in  2002.  Policy  fees  from  the  individual  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  the  transferred  and

new policies increased by RMB1,305 million, or 32.0%, to RMB5,380 million in 2003 from RMB4,075

million in 2002. These increases were primarily due to increased sales of participating endowment

products.

Group Life Insurance Business

Deposits in the group life insurance business increased by RMB4,973 million, or 79.4%, to RMB11,239

million in 2003 from RMB6,266 million in 2002. Policy fees from the group life insurance business

decreased by RMB49 million, or 13.0%, to RMB328 million in 2003 from RMB377 million in 2002.

These changes were primarily due to an increase of sales of participating annuity products, offset in

part  by  a  reduction  in  the  level  of  our  policy  fees  on  some  of  our  products  due  to  increased

competition,  the  fact  that  policy  fees  are  no  longer  required  to  be  paid  on  some  of  the  non-

transferred policies under the terms of the policies as well as the effect of the restructuring described

above.

Deposits in the group life insurance business attributable to the transferred and new policies increased

by  RMB3,885  million,  or  62.3%,  to  RMB10,117  million  in  2003  from  RMB6,232  million  in  2002.

Policy  fees  from  the  group  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  the  transferred  and  new  policies

increased  by  RMB44  million,  or  33.1%,  to  RMB177  million  in  2003  from  RMB133  million  in  2002.

These  increases  were  due  to  increased  sales  of  participating  annuity  products,  offset  in  part  by  a

reduction in the level of our policy fees on some of our products due to increase competition.

Accident and Health Insurance Business

There are no deposits in our accident and health insurance business.

To Serve and Protect

33

Insurance Benefits and Claims

Insurance benefits and claims, net of amounts ceded through reinsurance, increased by RMB99 million,
or 0.2%, to RMB56,536 million in 2003 from RMB56,437 million in 2002. This increase was due to the
increase in business volume offset in part by the effect of restructuring described above. Life insurance
death  and  other  benefits  increased  by  RMB1,560  million,  or  22.3%,  to  RMB8,570  million  in  2003  from
RMB7,010 million in 2002. These increase was principally an increase in the number of policies in force.
Life  insurance  death  and  other  benefits  as  a  percentage  of  gross  written  premiums  and  policy  fees
increased to 12.4% in 2003 from 10.2% in 2002.

Insurance benefits and claims, net of amounts ceded through reinsurance, attributable to the transferred
and new policies increased by RMB3,934 million, or 12.6%, to RMB35,213 million in 2003 from RMB31,280
million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  insurance  benefits  and  claims  in  the
individual  life  insurance  business  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  business  volume.  Insurance  benefits  and
claims,  net  of  amounts  ceded  through  reinsurance,  attributable  to  participating  products  increased  by
RMB7 million, or 0.1%, to RMB13,982 million in 2003 from RMB13,975 million in 2002. Of these insurance
benefits and claims attributable to participating products, life insurance death and other benefits increased
to  RMB536  million  in  2003  from  RMB132  million  in  2002  and  the  increase  in  future  life  policyholder
benefits decreased by RMB397 million, or 2.9%, to RMB13,446 million in 2003 from RMB13,843 million
in 2002.

Individual Life Insurance Business

Insurance benefits and claims for the individual life insurance business increased by RMB208 million,
or 0.4%, to RMB50,947 million in 2003 from RMB50,739 million in 2002. This increase was due to
the  increase  in  business  volume  during  the  period  offset  in  part  by  the  effect  of  restructuring
described  above.  Of  these  insurance  benefits  and  claims,  life  insurance  death  and  the  benefits
increased by RMB2,492 million, or 47.4%, to RMB7,744 million in 2003 from RMB5,252 million in
2002 and the increase in future life policyholder benefits decreased by RMB2,284 million, or 5.0%,
to RMB43,203 million in 2003 from RMB45,487 million in 2002.

Insurance benefits and claims for the individual life insurance business attributable to the transferred
and  new  policies  increased  by  RMB3,149  million,  or  11.8%,  to  RMB29,946  million  in  2003  from
RMB26,797  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  the  increase  in  business  volume
during  the  period.  Of  these  insurance  benefits  and  claims,  life  insurance  death  and  other  benefits
increased by RMB1,457 million, or 77.0%, to RMB3,348 million in 2003 from RMB1,891 million in
2002. This increase was primarily due to two types of policies, which we started to sell in 2000, and
which pay benefits to policyholders every three years. The increase in future life policyholder benefits
increased by RMB1,692 million, or 6.8%, to RMB26,598 million in 2003 from RMB24,906 million in
2002.

Group Life Insurance Business

Insurance benefits and claims for the group life insurance business decreased by RMB915 million,
or 56.4%, to RMB707 million in 2003 from RMB1,622 million in 2002. This decrease was due to the
effect of the restructuring described above and a decrease in business volume. Of these insurance
benefits  and  claims,  life  insurance  death  and  other  benefits  decreased  by  RMB909  million,  or
52.4%,  to  RMB826  million  in  2003  from  RMB1,735  million  in  2002  and  the  increase  in  future  life
policyholder benefits decreased by RMB119 million in 2003, compared with a decrease of RMB113
million in 2002.

34

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Insurance  benefits  and  claims  for  the  group  life  insurance  business  attributable  to  the  transferred

and new policies decreased by RMB24 million, or 5.9%, to RMB385 million in 2003 from RMB409

million  in  2002.  This  decrease  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  business  volume.  Of  these

insurance benefits and claims, life insurance death and other benefits increased by RMB74 million,

or  18.7%,  to  RMB470  million  in  2003  from  RMB396  million  2002  and  the  increase  in  future  life

policyholder  benefits  decreased  by  RMB85  million  in  2003,  compared  with  an  increase  of  RMB13

million in 2002.

Accident and Health Insurance Business

Insurance benefits and claims for the accident and health insurance business increased by RMB806

million, or 19.8%, to RMB4,882 million in 2003 from RMB4,076 million in 2002. Of these amounts,

accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses increased by RMB829 million, or 20.5%,

to  RMB4,882  million  in  2003  from  RMB4,053  million  in  2002  and  life  insurance  death  and  other

benefits (comprised of long-term health benefits) was less than RMB1 million in 2003 compared to

RMB23 million in 2002. These changes were primarily due to the increase in business volume in the

health  insurance  business  offset  in  part  by  a  decrease  of  average  claim  rate  of  health  insurance

business.

Insurance  benefits  and  claims  for  the  accident  and  health  insurance  business  attributable  to  the

transferred and new policies increased by RMB809 million, or 19.9%, to RMB4,882 million in 2003

from RMB4,073 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase of health insurance

business, offset in part by a decrease of average claim rate of health insurance business. Of these

insurance benefits and claims, accident and health claims and claims adjustment expenses increased

by RMB829 million or 20.5%, to RMB4,882 million in 2003 from RMB4,053 million in 2002 and life

insurance death and other benefits (comprised of long-term benefits) were nil in 2003, compared to

RMB20 million in 2002.

Policyholder Dividends and Participation in Profits

Policyholder dividends and participation in profits increased by RMB566 million, or 88.3%, to RMB1,207

million  in  2003  from  RMB641  million  in  2002.  Virtually  all  of  these  amounts  were  attributable  to  the

transferred and new policies because our predecessor only began to sell participating products in 2000.

This increase was primarily due to an increase in the overall amount of participating policies in force.

Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Amortization  of  deferred  policy  acquisition  costs  reflects  the  amortization  of  deferred  policy  acquisition

costs attributable to the transferred and new policies. The majority of acquisition costs attributable to the

transferred and new policies are deferrable. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased

by  RMB1,191  million,  or  31.1%,  to  RMB5,023  million  in  2003  from  RMB3,832  million  in  2002.  This

increase was primarily due to the increase in number and overall amount of policies in force.

To Serve and Protect

35

Underwriting and Policy Acquisition Costs

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs primarily reflect acquisition costs attributable to non-transferred

policies  in  the  individual  life  insurance  business  and  group  life  insurance  business,  as  well  as  non-

deferrable portions of the acquisition costs attributable to transferred and new policies. Underwriting and

policy  acquisition  costs  decreased  by  RMB367  million,  or  22.1%,  to  RMB1,294  million  in  2003  from

RMB1,661 million in 2002. Underwriting and policy acquisition costs were 1.91% of net premiums earned

and policy fees in 2003, compared with 2.5% in 2002.

Of  this  amount,  underwriting  and  policy  acquisition  costs  in  the  individual  life  insurance  business  and

group  life  insurance  business  together  decreased  by  RMB370  million,  or  29.4%,  to  RMB890  million  in

2003  from  RMB1,260  million  in  2002.  This  decrease  was  primarily  due  to  the  effect  of  restructuring

described  above.  In  addition,  this  decrease  reflected  declining  commissions  attributable  to  the  non-

transferred policies, since commissions generally decrease as policies are renewed in successive years.

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs in the accidental and health insurance business increased by

RMB3  million,  or  0.7%,  to  RMB404  million  in  2003  from  RMB401  million  in  2002.  This  increase  was

primarily due to the increase in business volume during the period.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses include the non-deferrable portion of policy acquisition costs attributable to the

transferred and new policies, as well as compensation and other administrative expenses. Administrative

expenses increased by RMB700 million, or 11.4%, to RMB6,862 million in 2003 from RMB6,162 million

in 2002. This increase primarily reflected the increase in business volume, offset in part by the effect of

the restructuring described above.

Other Operating Expenses

Other  operating  expenses,  which  primarily  consist  of  employee  housing  benefits  and  expenses  of  non-

core businesses (which includes investments in property, hotels and other operations through subsidiaries),

increased by RMB238 million, or 37.5%, to RMB872 million in 2003 from RMB634 million in 2002. This

increase primarily reflected a revaluation of investment properties and the resulting impact on the profit

and loss accounts offset in part by the effect of the restructuring described above. Investment properties

are  valued  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  three  years  by  independent  valuers;  in  each  of  the  intervening

years valuations are undertaken by professionally qualified executives of within the company. The valuations

are on an open market value basis related to individual properties and separate values are not attributed

to land and buildings.

36

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Interest Credited to Policyholder Contract Deposits

Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits increased by RMB165 million, or 2.3%, to RMB7,260

million in 2003 from RMB7,095 million in 2002. This increase primarily reflected an increase in the total

policyholder account balance offset in part by the effect of the restructuring described above.

Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits attributable to the transferred and new policies increased

by  RMB1,352  million,  or  86.2%,  to  RMB2,920  million  in  2003  from  RMB1,568  million  in  2002.  This

increase was primarily due to an increase in the total policyholder account balance. Interest credited to

participating policyholder contract deposits increased to RMB2,235 million in 2003 from RMB922 million

in 2002.

Income Tax

The Company pays income tax according to PRC enterprise income tax tentative regulations and related

rules.  Income  tax  expense,  including  current  and  deferred  taxations,  was  RMB1,180  million  in  2003,

compared to RMB14 million in 2002. In accordance with PRC law, China Life and China Life Insurance

Asset  Management  Company  Limited,  which  is  controlled  by  the  Company,  are  subject  to  tax  on  their

income from the dates of their incorporation, June 30, 2003 and November 23, 2003. Substantially all of

the income expense for 2003 was attributable to the profit-making insurance businesses (attributable to

the  transferred  and  new  policies)  and  asset  management  businesses  of  China  Life.  Our  predecessor

CLIC  had  operational  losses  in  their  core  insurance  businesses  and  accordingly  had  no  income  tax

liability.  All  of  its  income  tax  expense  for  2003  and  2002  related  to  its  non-core  operations  and  were

immaterial compared to the income tax expense of China Life for 2003.

Net Profit/Loss

For the reasons set forth above, net loss was RMB1,428 million in 2003, an improvement from a net loss

of RMB2,250 million in 2002.

Individual Life Insurance Business

Net loss in the individual life insurance business was RMB208 million in 2003, an improvement from

a net loss of RMB1,070 million in 2002. This result was primarily due to the increased impact of the

more profitable transferred and new policies in the individual life business following the restructuring.

Group Life Insurance Business

Net loss in the group life insurance business was RMB1,263 million in 2003, an improvement from a

net loss of RMB2,475 million in 2002. This result was primarily due to the increased impact of the

more profitable transferred and new policies in the group life business following the restructuring.

Accident and Health Insurance Business

Net profit in the accident and health insurance business increased by RMB190 million, or 16.0%, to

RMB1,380 million in 2003 from RMB1,190 million in 2002. Profitability increased due primarily to the

rapid  increase  in  health  premiums,  which  was  not  reflected  in  claim  experience.  The  overall

performance  of  the  accident  business,  despite  the  decrease  in  premiums,  remained  strong,  while

the performance of the health business was relatively weaker.

To Serve and Protect

37

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity Sources

Our principal cash inflows come from insurance premiums, deposits, proceeds from sales of investment

assets,  investment  income  and  financing.  The  primary  liquidity  concerns  with  respect  to  these  cash

inflows are the risk of early contract holder and policyholder withdrawal, as well as the risks of default by

debtors, interest rate changes and other market volatilities. We closely monitor and manage these risks.

Additional sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows are available from our portfolio of cash

and  investment  assets.  As  of  December  31,  2003,  the  amount  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  was

RMB42,616  million.  In  addition,  substantially  all  of  our  term  deposits  with  banks  allow  us  to  withdraw

funds  on  deposit,  subject  to  a  penalty  interest  charge.  As  of  December  31,  2003,  the  amount  of  term

deposits was RMB137,192 million.

Our portfolio of investment securities also may provide us with a source of liquidity to meet unexpected

cash  outflows.  As  of  December  31,  2003,  investments  in  fixed  maturity  securities  had  a  fair  value  of

RMB70,604 million. As of December 31, 2003, investments in equity securities, primarily through securities

investment funds, had a fair value of RMB10,718 million. However, the PRC securities market is still at an

early stage of development, and we are subject to market liquidity risk because the market capitalization

and trading volumes of the public exchanges are much lower than in more developed financial markets.

We  also  are  subject  to  market  liquidity  risk  due  to  the  large  size  of  our  investments  in  some  of  the

markets  in  which  we  invest.  We  believe  that  some  of  our  positions  in  fixed  maturity  securities  may  be

large enough to have an influence on the market value. These factors may limit our ability to sell these

investments at an adequate price, or at all.

Liquidity Uses

Our  principal  cash  outflows  primarily  relate  to  the  liabilities  associated  with  our  various  life  insurance,

annuity  and  accident  and  health  insurance  products,  dividend  and  interest  payments  on  our  insurance

policies  and  annuity  contracts,  operating  expenses,  income  taxes  and  dividends  that  may  be  declared

and payable to our shareholders. Liabilities arising from our insurance activities primarily relate to benefit

payments  under  these  insurance  products,  as  well  as  payments  for  policy  surrenders,  withdrawal

and loans.

We believe that our sources of liquidity are sufficient to meet our current cash requirements.

Consolidated Cash Flows

The following sets forth information regarding consolidated cash flows for the periods indicated.

Net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities and net cash provided by

financing activities for 2003 were all significantly affected by the divestiture of the operations and business

(including the operations and businesses attributable to the transferred policies) retained by CLIC as of

September 30, 2003.

38

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Management Discussion & Analysis

Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB38,510 million in the year ended December 31, 2003,

a decrease from RMB44,059 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily

due to a change in working capital which used cash in the year ended December 31, 2003, compared

with providing cash in the year ended December 31, 2002. Net cash provided by operating activities was

RMB44,059 million in 2002, an increase from RMB33,833 million in 2001. The increase in cash provided

by operating activities over both of these periods was primarily due to the rapid growth in new policies,

and the lag time between receipt of premium income and the payment of claims under those policies.

Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  was  RMB105,166  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003,

RMB95,898  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002  and  RMB51,964  million  in  the  year  ended

December  31,  2001.  The  increase  in  cash  used  in  investing  activities  over  all  of  these  periods  was

primarily due to the growth in premiums and deposits, particularly those relating to sales of participating

products, which are classified as investment-type products.

Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB94,743 million in the year ended December 31, 2003,

RMB48,513  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002  and  RMB12,711  million  in  the  year  ended

December 31, 2001. The increase in cash provided by financing activities over all of these periods was

primarily due to the growth in premiums and deposits, particularly those relating to sales of participating

products,  which  are  classified  as  investment-type  products  and  are  therefore  attributed  to  financing

activities. In addition, our global share offering in December 2003 provided cash proceeds of approximately

RMB24,707 million. As of December 2003, the cash proceeds from the global share offering were held in

bank deposit accounts. We expect to use such proceeds for general corporate purposes and to strengthen

our capital base.

Recent Developments

On January 30, 2004, the Audit General of the National Audit Office of China (the “CNAO”) announced

that it had carried out an audit review of the financial statements of CLIC, our predecessor. The CNAO

audit decision, dated March 30, 2004, which covers the balance sheet and income statement of CLIC for

2002,  found  that  (i)  there  had  been  irregular  use  of  RMB2,368  million  of  insurance  funds,  and  irregular

operations involving RMB2,374 million in the use of agents that was not in compliance with regulations

and overpayment of surrender value by some branches of CLIC, including the use of agents not legally

qualified in the insurance business, changes in premium rates and the scope of coverage without proper

approval, and overpayment of surrender value and annuity payments when due; (ii) certain branches of

CLIC had overstated or understated expenses and income resulting in the underpayment of taxes in the

amount of RMB1.3 million; (iii) certain branches of CLIC maintained “unauthorized reserves” which involved

an accumulated amount of RMB32.3 million, among which RMB11.1 million had been accumulated after

2001; and (iv) CLIC had failed to pay taxes when due in an amount of RMB43.1 million.

To Serve and Protect

39

CLIC was directed to pay a total of approximately RMB67.5 million, including RMB9.2 million of business

taxes and surcharges, RMB10.0 million of income taxes, RMB37.3 million of other taxes and RMB11.1

million in fines. The decision requires CLIC to rectify the irregular use of reinsurance funds and irregular

operations described in section (i) above, and to submit a report on such rectification by May 31, 2004.

The  audit  decision  also  requires  CLIC  to  make  such  changes  to  its  books  and  accounts  described  in

sections (ii) and (iii) above to correct accounting entries regarding overstatement and understatement of

expenses and income addressed in the report, and to submit reports on such adjustments to the CNAO.

An appeal to the CNAO may be taken within 60 days of the date of CLIC’s receipt of the audit decision.

We will review the changes and adjustments made by CLIC in response to the audit decision in order to

evaluate their impact on our operations.

On or about March 16, 2004 a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern

District of New York alleging violations of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Company and

certain  of  its  officers  and  directors  in  connection  with  failure  to  fully  disclose  the  audit  review  by  the

CNAO  of  CLIC.  Three  additional  similar  complaints  have  subsequently  been  filed  against  these  same

defendants.  The  complaints  seek  to  recover  damages  on  behalf  of  a  purported  class  of  persons  who

purchased the Company’s publicly traded securities between December 22, 2003 and February 3, 2004.

Each complaint seeks an award of damages in an unspecified amount, plus expert and attorneys’ fees.

As of the date hereof, none of the four complaints has yet been served and, accordingly, the Company’s

time to respond thereto has not yet begun to run. In connection with these complaints, the Company has

engaged U.S. counsel to contest the complaints vigorously on behalf of the Company.

40

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司  2003 年 年 報

To Serve and Protect

41

Nationwide
customer service

42

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report of the Board of Directors

The directors present the annual report and the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company
and its subsidiary (the “Group”) for the year ended December 31, 2003.

1. Principal business and results

The Company  is  the  leading life insurance company in China’s life insurance market. Its individual
and group life insurance policies, annuity products, and long-term health insurance policies are sold
through  the  most  extensive  distribution  network  in  China,  which  includes  exclusive  agents,  direct
sales  representatives  and  dedicated  and  non-dedicated  agencies.  The  Company  also  provides
individual  and  group  accident  and  short-term  health  insurance  policies.  In  addition,  the  Company
became China’s largest insurance asset management company through its controlling shareholding
in AMC, as well as one of the largest institutional investors in China. The analysis of operations by
business segments during the year is set out in note 3 to the accounts.

2. Results and allocation

The  results  of  the  Group  for  the  year  are  set  out  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  profit  and  loss
account on page 71.

3. Reserves

Details of the reserves of the Group are set out in note 25 to the financial statements.

4. Charitable donations

The total amount of charitable donations of the Group for the year was RMB34,418,000.

5. Fixed assets

Details of the movement in fixed assets of the Group are set out in note 8 to the financial statements.

6. Share capital

Details  of  the  movement  in  share  capital  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  note  24  to  the  financial
statements.

7. Bank borrowings

As at December 31, 2003, the Group did not have any bank borrowings.

8. Purchase, sales or redemption of the Company’s shares

During the reporting period, the Company and its subsidiaries have not purchased, sold or redeemed
any of the Company’s securities.

To Serve and Protect

43

9. Share options

As part of the incentive scheme, the Company grants stock appreciation rights to members of the

senior management. The issuance of stock appreciation rights does not involve any issuance of new

shares,  nor  does  it  have  any  dilutive  effect  on  the  shareholders.  Stock  appreciation  rights  are

expected to be granted to approximately 100 members of the senior management, including members

of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Supervisory  Committee  (excluding  independent  non-executive

Directors),  the  president,  vice-president,  heads  of  key  departments  of  the  headquarters,  general

managers  and  certain  deputy  general  managers  of  the  principal  branches,  as  well  as  senior

professionals and technicians in key positions.

10. Directors

Brief introductions of Directors of the Company are set out on page 55.

11. Biographical details of Directors and members of the senior management

Brief introductions of Directors and members of the senior management of the Company are set out

from page 55 to page 57.

12. Directors’ and Supervisors’ service contracts

Long  Yongtu  and  Chau  Tak  Hay,  independent  non-executive  Directors  of  the  Company,  entered

into independent non-executive Directors’ service contracts with the Company on February 6, 2004

in Beijing respectively.

The term of appointment of independent non-executive Directors is three years, commencing from

the  date  of  the  general  meeting  (i.e.  August  18,  2003)  on  which  resolutions  were  passed  for  their

appointment  as  independent  non-executive  Directors  of  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors.  Upon

the expiration of the term and with the consent of both parties, independent non-executive Directors

may be re-appointed. However, the term of re-appointment shall not exceed six years.

Save as mentioned above, none of the other Directors or Supervisors of the Company has entered

into  any  service  contract  with  the  Company  or  its  subsidiaries  (excluding  contracts  expiring  or

determinable by the employer within one year without payment of compensation (other than statutory

compensation)).

13. Directors’ and Supervisors’ interests in material contracts

None of the Directors or Supervisors had any individual beneficial interest, directly or indirectly, in

any material contracts entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time during the

reporting period.

44

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report of the Board of Directors

14. Directors’ and Supervisors’ rights to acquire shares

At  no  time  during  the  reporting  period  had  the  Company  authorized  its  Directors,  Supervisors  or

their respective spouses or children under the age of 18 to benefit by means of the acquisition of

shares  or  debentures  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its  other  associated  corporations,  and  no  such

rights for the acquisition of shares or debentures were exercised by them.

15. Directors’ and Supervisors’ interests in shares

During  the  reporting  period,  none  of  the  Directors  or  Supervisors  had  any  interests  in  the  shares,

underlying shares or debentures of the Company or its associated corporations (within the meaning

of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong (the

“SFO”))  that  were  required  to  be  recorded  in  the  register  of  the  Company  required  to  be  kept

pursuant to Section 352 of the SFO or which had to be notified to the Company and the Hong Kong

Stock  Exchange  pursuant  to  the  Model  Code  for  Securities  Transactions  by  Directors  of  Listed

Companies.

16. Dividend

The Company has stated in the Prospectus to the shareholders that no dividend will be distributed

for the year.

17. Pre-emptive rights and arrangements on options of shares

According  to  the  Articles  of  Association  of  the  Company  and  the  relevant  PRC  laws,  there  is  no

provision for any pre-emptive rights of the shareholders of the Company. At present, the Company

does not have any arrangement on the options of shares.

To Serve and Protect

45

18. Substantial shareholders and persons who have an interest or short position

discloseable under Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO

As  at  December  31,  2003,  the  following  persons  (other  than  the  Directors,  Supervisors  and  chief

executive of the Company) had interests in the shares of the Company as recorded in the register

required to be kept by the Company pursuant to Section 336 of the SFO:

Name of Substantial Shareholder

Capacity

Long Positions
No. of Domestic Shares

Percentage
of total number
of Domestic
Shares in issue

China Life Insurance (Group) Company

Beneficial owner

19,323,530,000

100%

Name of Substantial Shareholders

Capacity

Long Positions
No. of H Shares

Percentage
of total number
of H Shares
in issue

Li Ka-shing (Note 1)

Founder of discretionary

428,358,620

5.76%

trusts & interest of

controlled  corporations

Li Ka-Shing Unity Trustee Company

Trustee

428,358,620

Limited (Note 1)

Li Ka-Shing Unity Trustee Corporation

Trustee & beneficiary of trust

428,358,620

Limited (Note 1)

Li Ka-Shing Unity Trustcorp Limited (Note 1)

Trustee & beneficiary of trust

428,358,620

Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited (Note 1)

Interest of controlled

428,358,620

corporations

Lee Shau Kee (Note 2)

Founder of discretionary

428,358,620

trusts & interest of

controlled  corporations

Rimmer (Cayman) Limited (Note 2)

Riddick (Cayman) Limited (Note 2)

Trustee

Trustee

Hopkins (Cayman) Limited (Note 2)

Interest of controlled

corporations

428,358,620

428,358,620

428,358,620

Henderson Development Limited (Note 2)

Interest of controlled

428,358,620

corporations

Richbo Investment Limited (Note 2)

Beneficial owner

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (Note 3)

Investment manager,

428,358,620

387,622,716

custodian and asset

proprietor

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.76%

5.21%

46

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report of the Board of Directors

Note 1:

These references to 428,358,620 H Shares relate to the same block of shares in the Company.

These 428,358,620 H Shares are held by Mitcham Resources Limited (“Mitcham”) and Hutchison International Limited
(“HIL”) in the following proportion:

Name of Corporation

HIL

Mitcham

No. of H Shares

214,179,310

214,179,310

HIL  is  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Hutchison  Whampoa  Limited  (“HWL”).  Certain  subsidiaries  of  Cheung  Kong
(Holdings) Limited (“CKH”) in turn together hold one-third or more of the issued share capital of HWL.

Mitcham is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cheung Kong Investment Company Limited which in turn is a wholly owned
subsidiary of CKH.

Li  Ka-Shing  Unity  Holdings  Limited,  of  which  each  of  Mr.  Li  Ka-shing,  Mr.  Li  Tzar  Kuoi,  Victor  and  Mr.  Li  Tzar  Kai,
Richard  is  interested  in  one-third  of  the  entire  issued  share  capital,  owns  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of  Li  Ka-
Shing Unity Trustee Company Limited (“TUT1”). TUT1 as trustee of The Li Ka-Shing Unity Trust, together with certain
companies  which  TUT1  as  trustee  of  The  Li  Ka-Shing  Unity  Trust  is  entitled  to  exercise  or  control  the  exercise  of
more  than  one-third  of  the  voting  power  at  their  general  meetings,  hold  more  than  one-third  of  the  issued  share
capital of CKH.

In addition, Li Ka-Shing Unity Holdings Limited also owns the entire issued share capital of Li Ka-Shing Unity Trustee
Corporation  Limited  (“TDT1”)  as  trustee  of  The  Li  Ka-Shing  Unity  Discretionary  Trust  (“DT1”)  and  Li  Ka-Shing  Unity
Trustcorp  Limited  (“TDT2”)  as  trustee  of  another  discretionary  trust  (“DT2”).  Each  of  TDT1  and  TDT2  holds  units  in
The Li Ka-Shing Unity Trust.

By virtue of the SFO, each of Mr. Li Ka-shing, being the settlor and may be regarded as a founder of each of DT1 and
DT2  for  the  purpose  of  the  SFO,  TUT1,  TDT1,  TDT2  and  CKH  is  deemed  to  be  interested  in  the  214,179,310
H Shares of the Company and another 214,179,310 H Shares of the Company held by HIL and Mitcham respectively.

Note 2:

These references to 428,358,620 H Shares relate to the same block of shares in the Company.

These 428,358,620 H Shares are held by Richbo Investment Limited (“Richbo”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Henderson Development Limited (“HDL”). Hopkins (Cayman) Limited (“Hopkins”) as trustee of a unit trust (the “Unit
Trust”)  owns  all  the  issued  ordinary  shares  of  HDL.  Rimmer  (Cayman)  Limited  (“Rimmer”)  and  Riddick  (Cayman)
Limited (“Riddick”), as trustee of respective discretionary trusts, hold units in the Unit Trust. The entire issued share
capital  of  Hopkins,  Rimmer  and  Riddick  are  owned  by  Mr.  Lee  Shau  Kee.  Accordingly,  each  of  Mr.  Lee  Shau  Kee,
HDL,  Hopkins,  Rimmer,  Riddick,  and  Richbo  is  taken  to  have  an  interest  in  these  428,358,620  H  Shares  under
the SFO.

Note 3:

Of these shares, 223,642,850 H Shares, 108,903,000 H Shares, 37,690,266 H Shares, 9,614,920 H Shares, 3,974,000
H  Shares,  1,446,680  H  Shares,  1,276,000  H  Shares,  and  1,075,000  H  Shares  are  respectively  held  by  JPMorgan
Chase  Bank,  JF  Asset  Management  Limited,  J.P.  Morgan  Fleming  Asset  Management  (UK)  Limited,  J.P.  Morgan
Investment  Management  Inc.,  J.P.  Morgan  Whitefriars  Inc.,  J.P.  Morgan  Investment  Management  Limited,  JF  Asset
Management (Singapore) Limited, and JF International Management Inc., all of which are either controlled or indirect
controlled subsidiaries of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

Included in the 387,622,716 H Shares are 221,778,450 H Shares (2.98%) which are the lending pool under section
5(4) of the Securities and Futures (Securities Borrowing and Lending) Rules.

Save  as  disclosed  above,  the  Company  is  not  aware  of  any  other  person  having  any  interests  or  short

positions (other than the Directors, Supervisors and chief executive of the Company) in the shares and

underlying  shares  of  the  Company  as  recorded  in  the  register  required  to  be  kept  pursuant  to  Section

336 of the SFO.

To Serve and Protect

47

19. Information of tax deduction

As CLIC retained the accumulated tax loss for previous years, the provision for tax does not reflect

the benefits of such losses. Through the restructuring the Company has already received confirmation

from  the  Ministry  of  Finance  and  the  State  Administration  of  Taxation  that  certain  items  can  be

deducted  from  the  calculation  of  taxable  income  of  the  Company  for  the  year  2003.  Previously,

such deduction has no impact on the taxable and net income of the Company.

Items for tax deduction:

Gross wages before tax – RMB2,782 million

Interest income from Government bonds – RMB457.776 million

Dividend income of funds – RMB98.038 million

20. Management contracts

No management contracts for the entire or principal businesses of the Company were entered into

or existed during the year.

21. Connected transactions

Details  of  the  connected  transactions  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  the  section  of  “Connected

Transactions” and note 23 to the financial statements.

22. Remuneration of the Directors and members of the senior management

Details of the remuneration of the Directors and members of the senior management are set out in

note 29 to the financial statements.

48

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report of the Board of Directors

23. Board Committees

The  Company  has  established  Audit  Committee,  Remuneration  Committee,  Risk  Management

Committee and Strategic Committee.

The Audit Committee was established in accordance with the Code of Best Practice as set out in

Appendix 14 of the Listing Rules. The Audit Committee is responsible for the review and supervision

of the Company’s financial reporting procedures and internal control system. The Audit Committee

is currently comprised of Wu Yan, Long Yongtu and Chau Tak Hay.

The Remuneration Committee was establishment in accordance with the Code of Best Practice as

set out in Appendix 14 of the Listing Rules. The Remuneration Committee is mainly responsible for

the formulation of training and remuneration policy for the senior management of the Company and

the  administration  of  the  remuneration  system  of  the  senior  management  of  the  Company.  The

Remuneration Committee is currently comprised of Miao Fuchun, Long Yongtu and Chau Tak Hay.

The  Risk  Management  Committee  is  mainly  responsible  for  assisting  the  management  to  manage

the  internal  and  external  risks.  The  Risk  Management  Committee  is  currently  comprised  of  Wang

Xianzhang, Miao Fuchun, and Wu Yan.

The Strategic Committee is mainly responsible for the formulation of the overall development plan

and decision-making procedures of investment. The Strategic Committee is currently comprised of

Wang Xianzhang, Miao Fuchun, and Wu Yan.

24. Budget control and report

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003,  the  Group’s  forecast  loss  after  taxation  and  minority

interests but before extraordinary items was less than RMB1,985 million, while the actual figure was

RMB1,494  million.  The  pro  forma  profit  for  the  nine  months  ended  September  30,  2003  and  the

forecast profit for the three months ending December 31, 2003 relating to the Transferred Policies

was not less than RMB5,323 million, while the actual figure was RMB5,857 million. The actual figure

exceeds the forecast.

25. Material litigation

On  or  about  March  16,  2004  a  complaint  was  filed  in  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the

Southern District of New York alleging violations of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the

Company and certain of its officers and directors in connection with failure to fully disclose the audit

review  by  the  CNAO  of  CLIC.  Three  additional  similar  complaints  have  subsequently  been  filed

against these same defendants. The complaints seek to recover damages on behalf of a purported

class of persons who purchased the Company’s publicly traded securities between December 22,

2003 and February 3, 2004. Each complaint seeks an award of damages in an unspecified amount,

plus  expert  and  attorneys’  fees.  As  of  the  date  hereof,  none  of  the  four  complaints  has  yet  been

served  and,  accordingly,  the  Company’s  time  to  respond  thereto  has  not  yet  begun  to  run.  In

connection with these complaints, the Company has engaged U.S. counsel to contest the complaints

vigorously on behalf of the Company.

To Serve and Protect

49

26. Compliance with the Code of Best Practice of the Listing Rules

The  Directors  confirmed  that  the  Company  was  in  compliance  with  the  Code  of  Best  Practice  of

Appendix 14 of the Listing Rules throughout the period from December 18, 2003 (the listing date of

the Company) to December 31, 2003.

27. Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers  and  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian  CPAs  Limited  Company  were

the international and PRC auditors to the Company respectively for the year ended December 31,

2003. A resolution for the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the international auditors

and  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian  CPAs  Limited  Company  as  the  PRC  auditors  to  the

Company will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2004.

By Order of the Board

Wang Xianzhang

Chairman

Beijing, China

April 23, 2004

50

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report of the Supervisory Committee

To all Shareholders,

During the reporting period, the members of the Supervisory Committee has duly performed its supervisory
responsibility  in  a  stringent  manner  and  adhered  to  the  principle  of  fidelity  to  effectively  protect  the
interests of the Company and its shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the Company Law of
the PRC and the Company’s Articles of Association.

The Supervisory Committee currently consists of three members. Five meetings had been held since its
establishment. In the first meeting held on August 18, 2003, Ms. Liu Yingqi was elected the chairperson
of  the  first  Supervisory  Committee.  In  the  second  meeting  held  on  December  17,  2003,  discussions  in
relation to the draft “Rules of procedures for the Supervisory Committee of China Life Insurance Company
Limited”  were  made.  In  the  third  meeting  held  on  January  9,  2004,  “Rules  of  procedures  (trial)  for  the
provisional  Supervisory  Committee  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited”  were  approved  and  are
now  in  effect.  In  the  forth  meeting  held  on  March  30,  2004,  the  Supervisory  Committee  approved  in
principle the Policy for the Distribution of Dividends to the policyholders for 2003 presented by the Board
of Directors. In the fifth meeting held on April 23, 2004, the Supervisory Committee approved in principle
the Report of the Board of Directors, the Management Operation Report for 2003, the Audited Financial
Statements and the Auditors’ Report for 2003 prepared under PRC generally acceptable standards, the
Audited Financial Statements and the Auditors’ Report for 2003 prepared under HK generally acceptable
standards, the Profit Distribution Policy for 2003, the Annual Report and the Report of the Supervisory
Committee  for  2003,  approved  the  appointment  of  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian  CPAs  Limited
Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers as the PRC auditors and international auditors of the Company
respectively  for  2004  and  submitted  the  proposal  to  the  Annual  General  Meeting  for  shareholders’
approval.  The  Supervisory  Committee  also  nominated  Mr.  Ren  Hungbin  and  Mr.  Tian  Hui  as  additional
Committee Members and submitted the proposal to the Annual General Meeting for shareholders’ approval.

The  Supervisory  committee,  after  reviewing  the  Auditors’  Report  issued  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers
prepared in accordance with HK generally acceptable standards, is of the view that the financial statements
truly and fully reflects the financial situations and operational results of the Company and has provided an
objective evaluation over the matters concerned.

The  Supervisory  Committee  considered  that,  during  the  reporting  period,  all  members  of  the  Board  of
Directors, the General Manager, the Deputy General Manager and members of senior management, had
spared  no  efforts,  under  the  principle  of  diligence  and  fidelity,  in  furthering  the  development  of  the
Company, and had not breached any laws, regulations or the Articles of Association of the Company and
had not done any acts which would prejudice the interests of the shareholders during the discharge of
duties by them.

In the coming year, the Supervisory Committee shall broaden its scope of duties, with a main focus on
improving  the  Company’s  governance  structure,  the  proper  development  of  an  internal  control  system,
the continued implementation of financial budgeting, the self-development of the Supervisory Committee,
and  shall  continue  to  explore  new  effective  control  systems  for  the  smooth  operation  and  healthy
development of the Company.

By order of the Supervisory Committee,

Liu Yingqi
Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee

Beijing, China
April 23, 2004

Connected Transactions

To Serve and Protect

51

To ensure the continual normal operations of the Company’s business after the restructuring, the Company,

prior  to  the  restructuring,  entered  into  several  agreements  with  CLIC,  that  document  the  relationship

following the restructuring. In addition, AMC entered into two asset management agreements, one with

the  Company  and  one  with  CLIC.  The  transactions  contemplated  under  these  agreements  constitute

connected transactions for the Company.

1. Policy Management Agreement

As part of the Restructuring, CLIC transferred its entire branch services network to the Company. In

order  to  capitalize  on  the  large  customer  base  of  CLIC,  increase  the  utilization  of  our  customer

service  network  and  increase  our  revenue  sources,  CLIC  engaged  the  Company  to  provide  policy

administration  services  relating  to  the  retained  policies  (“non-transferred  policies”)  after  the

restructuring.

The  Company  and  CLIC  entered  into  a  policy  management  agreement  on  September  30,  2003

which  sets  out  the  responsibilities  and  duties  of  the  Company  to  CLIC  under  these  policy

administration arrangements. Pursuant to the policy management agreement, the Company agreed

to provide policy administration services to CLIC relating to the non-transferred policies, including

day-to-day  insurance  administration  services,  customer  services,  statistics  and  file  management,

invoice  and  receipt  management,  reinstatement  of  non-transferred  policies,  applications  for  and

renewal  of  riders  to  the  non-transferred  policies,  reinsurance,  and  handling  of  disputes  relating  to

the  non-transferred  policies.  The  Company  acts  as  a  service  provider  under  the  agreement  and

does  not  acquire  any  rights  or  assume  any  obligations  as  an  insurer  under  the  non-transferred

policies.

In consideration of the services provided by the Company under the agreement, CLIC will pay the

Company  a  service  fee  based  on  the  estimated  cost  of  providing  the  services,  to  which  a  profit

margin is added. The service fee is equal to, for each semi-annual payment period, the sum of (1)

the number of non-transferred policies in force as of the last day of the period, multiplied by RMB

8.0; (2) 2.50% of the actual premiums and deposits in respect of such policies collected during the

period. For these purposes, the number of policies in-force for group insurance policies is equal to

the  number  of  individuals  covered  by  the  policies  (excluding  those  whose  policies  have  lapsed  or

matured).

The  agreement  is  for  an  initial  term  expiring  on  December  31,  2005,  and,  subject  to  the  Listing

Rules,  will  be  automatically  renewed  for  successive  one  year  terms,  unless  terminated  by  either

party  by  giving  to  the  other  party  not  less  than  180  days’  prior  written  notice  to  terminate  the

agreement at the expiration of the then current term.

52

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Connected Transactions

2. Asset Management Agreements

The  AMC  has  entered  into  two  asset  management  agreements,  effective  on  November  30,  2003,

one with the Company and one with CLIC. The terms of these two asset management agreements

are the same. The material terms of the asset management agreement between CLIC and the AMC

are set forth below.

Under  the  asset  management  agreement  between  the  AMC  and  CLIC,  the  AMC  agreed  to  invest

and manage assets entrusted to it by CLIC on a discretionary basis, but subject to the investment

guidelines and instructions given by CLIC. In accordance with the agreement, CLIC retains the title

of  the  entrusted  assets  and  the  AMC  is  authorized  to  operate  the  accounts  associated  with  the

entrusted assets for and on behalf of CLIC.

In consideration of the AMC’s services provided under the agreement, CLIC agreed to pay the AMC

a monthly service fee. The monthly service fee payable is composed of two parts: (1) the aggregate

of  the  monthly  service  fee  for  each  specified  category  of  assets  and  (2)  the  aggregate  of  the

additional service fee for specific transactions made during that month. The monthly service fee is

calculated on a monthly basis, by multiplying the average of net asset value of the assets in each

such category under management at the end of any given month and the end of the previous month

by the applicable annual rate for that month and divided by 12. The monthly additional service fee

comprises  service  fees  for  (1)  additional  term  deposits  and  (2)  additional  securities  purchased  in

primary markets made during that month, and is calculated by multiplying the net additional asset

value of the assets in such category at the end of that particular transaction month by the applicable

annual rate.

The AMC will produce an annual report, within 90 days of the conclusion of each fiscal year, setting

out the average investment rate of return of the assets managed by it. If the average investment rate

of  return  for  the  assets  managed  for  a  particular  year  exceeds  the  investment  rate  of  return  as

previously agreed between CLIC and the AMC for those assets for that year, by at least ten basis

points, the AMC will be entitled to an annual performance bonus fee, the amount of which will be

agreed  between  CLIC  and  the  AMC  but  shall  not  exceed  50%  of  the  annual  service  fees  for  that

year.  If  the  average  investment  rate  of  return  is  less  than  the  investment  rate  of  return  as  agreed

between  CLIC  and  the  AMC  by  at  least  ten  basis  points,  the  AMC  will  be  required  to  rebate  a

portion of its fee, the amount of which shall not exceed 25% of the annual service fees for that year.

The  service  fee  under  the  asset  management  agreement  was  determined  by  CLIC  and  the  AMC

based  on  an  analysis  of  the  cost  of  providing  the  service,  market  practice  and  the  size  and

composition of the asset pool to be managed.

The  agreement  is  for  an  initial  term  expiring  on  December  31,  2005,  and,  subject  to  the  Listing

Rules, will be automatically renewed for successive three years terms, unless terminated by either

party giving to the other party not less than 90 days’ prior written notice to terminate the agreement

at the expiration of the then current term.

To Serve and Protect

53

3. Property Leasing Agreement

The Company entered into a property leasing agreement with CLIC on September 30, 2003, pursuant

to which CLIC agreed to lease to the Company (1) 833 properties owned by of CLIC, its subsidiaries

and afficilates (“Owned Properties”) and (2) 1,764 properties which CLIC is entitled to sublet (“Leased

Properties”) for an aggregate initial annual rent (payable quarterly) of approximately RMB335 million.

The  properties  occupied  by  the  Company  are  mainly  used  as  its  office  premises.  The  annual  rent

payable by the Company to CLIC in relation to CLIC’s Owned Properties is determined by reference

to  market  rent  or,  where  there  is  no  available  comparison,  by  reference  to  the  costs  incurred  by

CLIC in holding and maintaining the properties, plus a margin of approximately 5%. The annual rent

payable  by  the  Company  to  CLIC  in  relation  to  CLIC’s  Leased  Properties  will  be  determined  by

reference to the rent payable under the head lease plus the actual costs incurred by CLIC arising in

connection with the subletting of the properties.

The  agreement  is  for  a  fixed  term  expiring  on  December  31,  2005,  unless  otherwise  required  by  the

Listing  Rules.  In  relation  to  CLIC’s  Leased  Properties,  the  term  of  such  properties  will  expire  at  the

expiration of the respective head leases, and in any event, will expire no later than December 31, 2005.

Application for waiver from The Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Pursuant to the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the above connected transactions

would normally require full disclosure and with prior approval by independent shareholders and/or

the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on each occasion it arises, depending on the nature and value of

the  transaction.  The  Company,  in  the  course  of  its  application  for  the  listing,  has  submitted  the

application  for  waiver  from  the  Hong  Kong  Stock  Exchange  regarding  to  the  full  disclosure  of  the

above  transactions  required  by  the  Listing  Rules,  and  the  Hong  Kong  Stock  Exchange  has

conditionally waived the ongoing disclosure responsibilities of the Company.

Figures for the year ended December 31, 2003

The aggregate value of each of the above connected transactions for the year ended December 31,

2003 is set out below:

Connected Transactions

1.

2.

Policy management agreement

Asset management agreement

(a)

(b)

between CLIC and the AMC

between the AMC and the Company

3.

Property leasing agreement

The aggregate value for the year ended
December 31, 2003
(RMB million)

953

26

8

169

54

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Connected Transactions

Confirmation of independent non-executive Directors:

Independent non-executive Directors have reviewed the above connected transactions and confirmed

that the transactions were:

(i)

entered into in the ordinary and usual course of the business of the Company;

(ii)

conducted either on normal commercial terms or on terms that are fair and reasonable so far

as our independent shareholders are concerned;

(iii)

entered into either in accordance with the agreements governing those transactions or where

there  are  no  such  agreements,  on  terms  no  less  favorable  than  those  available  to  or  from

independent third parties; and

(iv) within the relevant annual caps as agreed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Executive Directors, Senior Management
Executive Directors, Senior
Management And Supervisors
And Supervisors

To Serve and Protect

55

From left to right:
Mr Miao Fuchun
Mr Lin Dairen
Mr Li Liang Wen
Mr Wang Xianzhang
Mr Wan Feng
Mr Liu Jiade

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Wang Xianzhang, aged 61, is Chairman of the Board and President and has been responsible for the
overall management of the China Life Insurance since 2003. Mr. Wang is also Chairman of the Insurance
Industry Association of China and Vice Chairman of the Insurance Institute of China. President of CLIC
since  2000,  Mr.  Wang  served  as  Chairman  of  the  board  of  directors  and  President  of  China  Insurance
Co.  Ltd.  between  1998  and  2000.  The  other  positions  he  has  occupied  over  the  years  include  Vice
Chairman  of  the  board  of  directors  and  President  of  China  Insurance  H.K.  (Holding)  Co.  Ltd,  Vice
President of People’s Insurance Company of China (“PICC”), Vice President of PICC (Group), and General
Manager  of  PICC’s  Liaoning  branch.  Mr.  Wang  graduated  from  Liaoning  University  of  Finance  and
Economics (now Northeast University of Finance and Economics) with a major in Foreign Economics and
Trade in 1965.

Miao Fuchun, aged 57, became a Director and Vice President of China Life Insurance in 2003. Before
joining the company, Mr. Miao served as Vice President of CLIC from 1999 to 2003, and as Director of
the  Central  Finance  and  Economy  Office  from  1995  to  1999.  Mr.  Miao’s  other  positions  include  as
Director  of  the  Administrative  Office  of  MOFTEC  (now  the  Ministry  of  Commerce),  and  Deputy  Director
and  Department  Chief  of  the  Administrative  Office  of  the  State  Council.  A  Senior  Economist,  Mr.  Miao
enrolled in Renmin University in 1965, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Wu Yan, aged 42, has been a non-executive Director of the Company since 2003. Mr. Wu also serves as
a vice President of CLIC. He served as party secretary of the Central Finance league and President of the
National  Finance  Youth  Union  from  1998  to  2003.  Prior  to  that,  he  had  served  as  a  vice  minister  of  a
central  Communist  Youth  League  organization  department,  party  secretary  of  the  Communist  Youth
League of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, a member of the standing committee of Beortalar Autonomous
County Communist Party Committee; and party secretary of the city of Bole. He graduated in 1981 from
Xinjiang College of Finance and Economics with a major in finance. In 2002, he graduated from the China
Academy of Social Sciences with a Ph.D. in National Economics.

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Long Yongtu, aged 60, was appointed an independent non-executive Director of China Life Insurance in
2003 and is also the General Secretary of Boao Asian Forum. Before leaving government service in early
2003,  Mr.  Long  served  as  Vice  Minister  and  Chief  Negotiation  Representative  of  MOFTEC  (now  the
Ministry of Commerce) from 1997 onwards. Mr. Long also served as Assistant to the Minister, Directorate
of International Trade and Economic Affairs, and as Director of International Communication at the same
ministry.  Between  1980  and  1986,  Mr.  Long  served  as  a  Senior  Officer  with  the  Regional  Project

56

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Executive Directors, Senior Management And Supervisors

Department of UNDP, Deputy Representative of the UNDP Korean Delegate Office and Deputy Director
of  China  International  Center  for  Economic  and  Technical  Exchanges.  A  1965  graduate  of  the  Foreign
Language  Department  of  Guizhou  University,  Mr.  Long  studied  at  the  London  School  of  Economics
between 1973 and 1974.

Chau  Tak  Hay,  aged  60,  became  an  Independent  Non-executive  Director  of  China  Life  Insurance  in
2003.  In  2002,  Mr.  Chau  was  appointed  as  a  Special  Consultant  regarding  WTO  matters  to  MOFTEC
(now the Ministry of Commerce). Prior to this, Mr. Chau occupied a number of important positions in the
Hong Kong Government. They include Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Secretary for Broadcasting,
Culture and Sport, Director General of Trade, and Secretary for Health and Welfare. Mr. Chau graduated
from the University of Hong Kong in 1967.

OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS

Wan Feng, aged 45, has been a Vice President of the Company since 2003. Before joining the company,
Mr.  Wan  was  a  Vice  President  of  CLIC,  serving  as  General  Manager  of  its  Shenzhen  branch;  and  as  a
Director of China Life-CMG, a position he has occupied since 1999. Other positions in Mr. Wan’s 22-year
career in the insurance industry include General Manager of PICC Life’s Shenzhen branch from 1997 to
1999, and as a Director and Senior Vice President of the Hong Kong branch of Tai Ping Life Insurance
Company.  Mr.  Wan  has  also  served  as  Assistant  President  of  the  Hong  Kong  branch  of  CLIC,  and
Deputy  Chief  of  the  Life  Insurance  Division  of  PICC’s  provincial  branch  in  Jilin.  He  received  a  BA
Economics degree from Jilin College of Finance and Trade, an MBA from City University of Hong Kong,
and a Doctorate in Finance from Nankai University in Tianjin.

Lin Dairen, aged 45, was appointed a Vice President of China Life Insurance in 2003. Prior to assuming
this position, Mr. Lin served as General Manager of CLIC’s Jiangsu branch from 1999 to 2003, and as a
Vice General Manager of PICC Life’s, Jiangsu branch from 1996 to 1999. Mr. Lin’s earlier career included
roles  as  a  Vice  Division  Chief  and  later  Division  Chief  of  the  Life  Insurance  Division  of  PICC’s  Jiangsu
Branch.  Mr.  Lin  brings  to  the  Company  22  years’  extensive  operations  and  management  experience  in
the  insurance  industry  and  holds  a  Bachelor’s  degree  in  Medicine  from  Shandong  Province  Weifang
Medical School.

Li Liangwen, aged 52, became a Vice President of China Life Insurance in 2003. Mr. Li’s earlier career
highlights include General Manager of CLIC’s Product Development Department from 2000 onwards, and
Vice General Manager of CLIC’s Hebei branch from 1996 to 2000. Before joining CLIC, Mr. Li served as
Vice  General  Manager  of  PICC’s  Hebei  branch,  General  Manager  of  PICC’s  Qinhuangdao  branch,  and
Vice  President  of  China  Insurance  (U.K.)  Limited.  A  28  year  veteran  of  the  insurance  industry  in  China,
Mr. Li has four years’ overseas experience and graduated from Hebei Normal University in 1975 with a
major in English.

Liu Jiade, aged 41, assumed a Vice President position with China Life Insurance in 2003. Immediately
prior to taking up this role, Mr. Liu had served as Vice Director of the Finance Bureau of the Ministry of
Finance for three years, and as a Department Chief in the National Debt Finance Bureau of the Ministry of
Finance from 1998 to 2000. Other positions Mr. Liu has occupied during his career include Vice County
Chief of the People’s Government of Guan Tao County in Hebei Province, and as both Vice Department
Chief and Department Chief in the Ministry of Finance’s Commercial Finance Bureau. During his tenure at
the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Liu gained extensive experience in the administration of assets, finance and
taxation  of  insurance  companies,  banks,  trust  companies  and  securities  houses.  A  1984  graduate  of
Central Finance College (now Central University of Finance and Economics). Mr. Liu majored in Finance
and Economics.

To Serve and Protect

57

SUPERVISORS

Liu Yingqi, aged 45, is the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Between 1998 and 2003, Ms. Liu was
General  Manager  of  CLIC’s  Group  Insurance  Department  and  Vice  General  Manager  of  CLIC’s  Anhui
branch.  Earlier  in  her  career,  Ms.  Liu  worked  with  PICC’s  Anhui  branch,  where  she  served  as  both
Division Chief of the Accident Insurance Division and Deputy Division Chief of the Life Insurance Division.
A 1982 BA Economics graduate of Anhui University, Ms. Liu has 17 years’ operational and management
experience in the life insurance industry in China.

Wu  Weimin,  aged  52,  is  a  Supervisor  with  China  Life  Insurance.  Prior  to  assuming  this  role,  Mr.  Wu
spent five years with CLIC where he acted as Disciplinary Committee Deputy Secretary; Director of the
Supervision Office, Deputy General Manager of the Organization Department, and Vice General Manager
of the Personnel Education Department. Earlier in his career, Mr. Wu served as Vice General Manager of
the PICC Group’s Human resources Department and Division Chief of the Compensation Division between
1995  and  1998.  Before  entering  the  insurance  industry,  Mr.  Wu  held  a  position  with  the  Ministry  of
Communications Labor Wages Bureau. In 2000, he studied insurance at the China Insurance Management
Staff Institute.

Zhou Xinping, aged 54, is the Company’s Employee Representative Supervisor. Prior to taking up this
post,  Mr.  Zhou  served  as  Vice  President  of  CLIC’s  Information  Technology  Department  from  1996
onwards.  Mr.  Zhou’s  other  career  highlights  include  spells  as  Vice  President  of  PICC’s  Information
Technology,  Actuarial  and  Computer  departments,  and  as  President  of  China  Life  Electronic  Co.  Ltd’s
Planning  Department.  An  18  year  veteran  of  the  insurance  management  industry,  Mr.  Zhou  is  a  1978
graduate of Beijing University of Science and Technology where he majored in Applied Computer Science.

JOINT COMPANY SECRETARIES

Zheng Yong, aged 41, is a Joint Company Secretary with China Life Insurance and became a Deputy
General Manager of the company’s Legal Affairs Department in 2003. Immediately prior to assuming this
role, Mr. Zheng served as a Partner and Head of the Anti-dumping Section of Beijing DeHeng Law Office
from 2002 to 2003. He has also worked as an attorney-at-law with both the China Law Office in Hong
Kong and the Beijing L&A Law Firm in Beijing, and served with China’s Ministry of Justice in Beijing. Mr.
Zheng’s  holds  a  Law  degree  from  Peking  University  and  Master’s  degrees  from  both  the  University  of
Political Science and Law in China and the University of Essex in England. He has also been a Visiting
Fellow at both the Harvard Law School and J.F. Kennedy School of the Government in the US.

Heng  Kwoo  Seng,  aged  56,  is  a  Joint  Company  Secretary  with  China  Life  Insurance.  Mr.  Heng  is  a
fellow  member  of  the  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  England  and  Wales  and  has  been  in  public
practice since 1983. He is the Managing Partner of Morison Heng, a Certified Public Accountants firm in
Hong  Kong.  Earlier  on  in  his  career,  Mr.  Heng  served  as  a  Manager  of  Ka  Wah  Bank  Ltd’s  Finance
Department,  and  as  an  Audit  Supervisor  with  Peat  Marwick  Mitchell  &  Co.  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Mr.
Heng has 16 years’ experience as a Company Secretary for listed companies in the SAR.

COMPANY STAFF

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had 66,886 employees. We had actively participated in various
defined contribution pension schemes coordinated by the provincial and municipal governments for the
Company’s staff in accordance with the laws and regulations of the PRC. As of December 31, 2003, the
Company had approximately 655,000 individual agents.

58

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司  2003 年 年 報

To Serve and Protect

59

China’s leading
insurance asset
manager

60

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of China Life Insurance Company Limited (the

“Company”) will be held at Nathan Room, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong on

Friday, June 18, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. for the following purposes:

AS ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

1.

2.

3.

To review and approve the Report of the Board of Directors of the Company for the year 2003.

To review and approve the Report of the Supervisory Committee of the Company for the year 2003.

To review and approve the audited Financial Statements of the Company and the Auditors’ Report for

the year ended December 31, 2003.

4.

To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company, Certified Public Accountants,

and  PricewaterhouseCoopers,  Certified  Public  Accountants,  as  the  PRC  auditors  and  international

auditors of the Company for the year 2004 and to authorize the Board of Directors to determine their

remuneration.

5.

To appoint Mr. Daniel Joseph Kunesh, nominated by the Board of Directors, as an additional Independent

non-executive director of the Company.

6.

To  appoint  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi,  nominated  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  an  additional  Independent  non-

executive director of the Company.

7.

To  appoint  Mr.  Cai  Rang,  nominated  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  an  additional  Independent  non-

executive director of the Company.

8.

To  appoint  Mr.  Fan  Yingjun,  nominated  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  an  additional  Independent  non-

executive director of the Company.

Candidates nominated by the Board of Directors:

Mr  Daniel  Joseph  Kunesh,  59,  joined  Tillinghast-Towers  Perrin  since  1985.  From  1993  to  2003,  Mr
Kunesh was responsible for coordinating the international affairs relating to US GAAP and US Securities
and  Exchange  Commission.  He  also  overlooked  the  consultancy  business  on  the  financial  reports,
analyses and management systems of life insurance companies. From 1984 to 1985, he acted as the
founder  and  President  of  Kunesh,  Montgomery  &  Associates.  From  1973  to  1983,  Mr  Kunesh  was  a
partner  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick,  where  he  participated  in  the  audit  of  over  150  insurance  companies
and acquired extensive experience in the finance field. He is also experienced in the actuary field of life
insurance.  He  served  as  the  Associate  Actuary  of  Franklin  Life  Insurance(富 蘭 克 林 壽 險 公 司)  from
1970 to 1973 and the Assistant Actuary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1967 to
1970. Mr Kunesh was the Chairman of the “Committee on Life Insurance Financial Reporting” of the US
Society  of  Actuaries  from  1999  to  2000,  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Committee  of  the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners of the US from 1990 to 1992. He co-authored a book
entitled “US GAAP for Life Insurance Companies” which was published in 2000. Mr Kunesh obtained a
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin in 1967 and a Master’s
degree in Actuary from the Northwestern University.

Mr  Sun  Shuyi,  64,  has  served  in  the  State-owned  Asset  Supervision  and  Administration  Commission
(Sub-ministry level) (國 有 資 產 監 督 管 理 委 員 會) under the State Council and the Tenth Session of the
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He was the Deputy Secretary and Deputy Department
Head of the Central Enterprise Working Committee (中 央 企 業 工 作 委 員 會) from 1999 to 2003. From
1993 to 1999, Mr Sun acted as the Deputy Office Head and Deputy Director of the Personnel Department
of the Central Guidance Panel on Financial Affairs (中 央 財 經 領 導 小 組) and a member of the Central
Large  Enterprise  Working  Committee (中 央 大 型 企 業 工 作 委 員 會).  From  1988  to  1993,  he  was  the

To Serve and Protect

61

Deputy Head of the Finance Management Department and the Deputy Head and Head of the Production
System  Department (生 產 體 制 司)  of  the  State  System  Reform  Commission (國 家 體 改 委).  Mr  Sun
graduated  from  the  University  of  Science  and  Technology  of  China  and  is  a  Senior  Engineer  and  a
member of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr  Cai  Rang,  47,  is  the  Deputy  Secretary  of  the  Communist  Party  of  the  Central  Iron  and  Steel
Research Institute in China (“CISRI”) and the Vice Chairman and President of Advanced Technology &
Materials  Co.,  Ltd (安 泰 科 技 股 份 有 限 公 司).  Before  joining  the  Company,  he  was  the  Deputy  Chief
Economist,  Assistant  to  Director  and  Deputy  Director  of  CISRI  from  1987  to  2001,  and  Assistant
Engineer from 1982 to 1984. Mr Cai graduated from the Machinery Faculty of the Northeastern Industry
University majoring in Machinery Architecture. He pursued undergraduate studies at the Buffalo School
of Management of New York State University (紐 約 州 立 大 學 布 法 羅 管 理 學 院) from 1984 to 1987. He
pursued on-the-job studies in the School of Business Administration of Remin University of China and
obtained a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration. Mr Cai is a Senior Economist.

Mr  Fan  Yingjun,  59,  Chairman  of  Xinxing  Pipes  Holdings  Company  (“Xinxing  Pipes”)(新 興 鑄 管 集 團 公
司).  He  acted  as  the  General  Manager  of  China  Xinxing  Corporation  Group  (“China  Xinxing”)  and
Chairman  of  Xinxing  Pipes  since  1996.  In  1997,  he  became  the  Deputy  General  Manager  of  China
Xinxing and Chairman of Xinxing Pipes. Before that, he served as a Power Plant Technician of Anshan
Iron and Steel Group Corporation (鞍 山 鋼 鐵 公 司). From 1975 to 1993, Mr Fan was the technician of
the Engineering Guidance Department (工程 指揮 部), Section Head, Deputy Chief Engineer and Factory
Director of the 2672 factory (2672工 廠). From 1993 to 1996, he acted as the Deputy General Manager
of China Xinxing Group Corporation, General Manager of Xinxing Pipes & Associates (新 興 鑄 管 聯 合 公
司)and Chairman and Secretary of Communist Party of Xinxing United Pipes Group Corporation(「新 興
鑄 管 聯 合 公 司」). Mr Fan has acquired extensive operational and management experience throughout
the 36 years working in industrial enterprises in the PRC. He graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong University in
1968 majoring in Engineering Physics.

9.

To appoint Mr. Ren Hongbin, nominated by the Supervisory Committee, as an additional member of the

Supervisory Committee of the Company.

10.

To  appoint  Mr.  Tian  Hui,  nominated  by  the  Supervisory  Committee,  as  an  additional  member  of  the

Supervisory Committee of the Company.

Candidates nominated by the Supervisory Committee:

Mr  Ren  Hongbin,  41,  has  been  the  General  Manager  of  China  National  Machinery  &  Equipment
Corporation  (Group)  since  2001.  Since  1986,  he  had  been  the  Deputy  Secretary  of  the  Communist
Party of Beijing University of Agricultural Engineering (北京 農 業 工 程 大 學) and the Sales Executive and
Representative  in  Bangladesh,  and  General  Manager  of  the  Fifth  Division  of  China  Engineering  and
Agricultural Machinery Import & Export Corporation(中 國 工 程 與 農 業 機 械 進 出 口 總 公 司)(“CEAMIEC”),
General  Manager  of  Beijing  Hualong  Import  &  Export  Company(北 京 華 隆 進 出 口 公 司).  He  was  also
Assistant to the General Manager, General Manager of the Turnkey Project Department, Deputy General
Manager  and  General  Manager  of  CEAMIEC.  Mr  Ren  holds  a  Bachelor’s  Degree  of  Engineering  from
Beijing University of Agricultural Engineering University. He is a Senior Economist.

Mr  Tian  Hui,  52,  has  been  the  Director  and  Deputy  Secretary  of  the  Communist  Party  of  China  Coal
International Engineering Research Institute(中煤 國 際 工 程 設 計 研 究 總 院). From 1998 to 2001, he was
the Deputy Director, Director and Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of the Beijing Coal Design
Institute(北 京 煤 炭 設 計 研 究 院).  From  1982  to  1998,  Mr  Tian  was  the  Deputy  Department  Head  and
Deputy  Director  of  Shenyang  Design  Institute (瀋 陽 設 計 院)  of  the  Ministry  of  Coal  Industry.  Mr  Tian
graduated from Fuxin Minery School (阜 新 礦 業 學 院) and is a Senior Engineer.

62

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notice of Annual General Meeting

AS SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

11.

As special business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution relating to amendments

of the Articles of Association of the Company as special resolution:

“That the Articles of Association of the Company be amended as follows:

(1)

Article 6 be deleted in its entirety and replaced it by the following:

6.

Pursuant to “The Company Law”, “The Insurance Law”, “Special Regulations”, “Mandatory

Provisions  for  Articles  of  Association  of  Companies  to  be  Listed  Overseas”  (“Mandatory

Provisions”), and other applicable PRC laws and administrative regulations, the Company

convened its general meeting on June 18, 2004 to amend the original Articles of Association

and  to  adopt  these  new  Articles  of  Association  (“Articles  of  Association”  or  “Articles”)  of

the Company.

(2)

Article 16 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

16.

Upon the completion of the initial public offering of H Shares, the capital of the Company

comprises  26,784,705,000  Shares,  of  which  19,323,530,000  shares  are  owned  by  the

corporate promoter, representing 72.2% of the total issued share capital of the Company;

and  7,441,175,000  shares  owned  by  foreign  Shareholders,  representing  27.8%  of  the

total issued share capital of the Company.

(3)

Article 19 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

19.

The registered capital of the Company is RMB26,764,705,000.

(4)

Article 66 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

66.

A shareholder (including proxy) is entitled to cast the votes in accordance with the number

of shares carrying the right to vote and each share shall have one vote.

Where  any  shareholder  is,  under  the  Rules  Governing  the  Listing  of  Securities  on  The

Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, required to abstain from voting on any particular

resolution  or  restricted  to  voting  only  for  or  only  against  any  particular  resolution,  any

votes  cast  by  or  on  behalf  of  such  shareholder  in  contravention  of  such  requirement  or

restriction shall not be counted.

(5)

The second paragraph of Article 88 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

88.

Second paragraph

The Board shall comprise 5 to 13 directors, of which at least one

shall  be  a  non-executive  director  and  at  least  three  shall  be

independent non-executive directors.

(6)

Article 89 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

89.

The  directors  shall  be  elected  by  the  shareholders  at  the  general  meeting.  The  term  of

office  of  the  elected  directors  shall  be  three  year  from  the  date  of  appointment.  The

directors are eligible for re-election upon the expiry of their term.

The notice to nominate a person as director and a notice by that person of his willingness

to  be  nominated  shall  be  delivered  to  the  Company  not  earlier  than  the  day  after  the

dispatch  of  the  notice  convening  the  general  meeting  and  not  later  than  7  days  prior  to

the date of the general meeting.

To Serve and Protect

63

Any appointment or removal of the Chairman or vice-chairman shall be passed by board

resolutions  with  the  consent  of  more  than  50%  of  all  directors.  The  term  of  office  of  the

Chairman  and  vice-chairman  shall  be  three  years  from  the  date  of  appointment.  The

Chairman or vice-chairman is eligible for re-election upon the expiry of his term.

Subject  to  the  relevant  laws  and  administrative  rules  and  regulations,  the  shareholders

may remove a director by an ordinary resolution in general meeting (but without prejudice

to any claim the director may have for damages under any contract).

The directors are not required to hold any qualification share in the capital of the Company.

(7)

The  second  paragraph  of  Article  92  of  the  Articles  of  Association  be  deleted  in  its  entirety  and
replaced by the following:

92.

Second paragraph

Where  the  Chairman  is  unable  to  carry  out  his  duties,  he  shall
designate a vice-chairman or an executive director to carry out his
duties.

(8)

Article 97 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

97.

The  quorum  necessary  for  Board  meeting  shall  be  more  than  50%  of  the  directors  in
number (including those directors appointed pursuant to Article 98).

Every director shall have one vote. Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Association,
all board resolutions shall be passed with the consent of more than 50% of all directors.
Where  directors  shall  vote  on  a  resolution  relating  to  a  connected  or  related  party
transaction, such resolution shall be confirmed by an Independent non-executive director
in order for the same to be effective.

The Chairman shall have a casting vote in case of an equality of votes.

A  director  shall  withdraw  from  and  shall  not  vote  or  be  counted  in  the  quorum  at  a
meeting on any resolution relating to any matter in which he or any of his associates (as
defined in the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong
Kong Limited) is materially interested.”

12.

As special business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution relating to the granting
of a general mandate for the Board of Directors to issue new shares as special resolution:

“That:

(1)

the Board of Directors be and is hereby authorized to make such amendments to the Articles of
Association  of  the  Company  as  it  thinks  fit  so  as  to  increase  the  registered  capital  of  the
Company and reflect the new capital structure of the Company upon the allotment and issuance
of shares of the Company as contemplated in sub-paragraph (2) of this Resolution;

(2)

the  Board  of  Directors  be  and  is  hereby  granted,  during  the  Relevant  Period,  an  unconditional
general  mandate  to  separately  or  concurrently  issue,  allot  and  deal  with  additional  domestic
shares and overseas listed foreign shares of the Company, and to make or grant offers, agreements
and options in respect thereof, subject to the following conditions:

(i)

such mandate shall not extend beyond the Relevant Period save that the Board of Directors
may during the Relevant Period make or grant offers, agreements or options which might
require the exercise of such powers after the end of the Period;

64

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notice of Annual General Meeting

(ii)

the aggregate nominal amount of the domestic shares and overseas listed shares issued
and allotted or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be issued and allotted (whether
pursuant to an option or otherwise) by the Board of Directors otherwise than pursuant to
a  Rights  Issue  or  any  option  scheme  or  similar  arrangement,  shall  not  exceed  20%  of
each of the aggregate nominal amount of the domestic shares and overseas listed shares
of the Company in issue as at the date of this Resolution; and the Board of Directors will
only exercise its power under such mandate in accordance with the Company Law of the
People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (as amended from time to time) and only if all
necessary approvals from the China Securities Regulatory Commission and/or other relevant
PRC government authorities are obtained;

(3)

for the purposes of this Resolution:

“Relevant Period” means the period from the passing of this Resolution until the earliest of:

•

the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company following the passing
of  this  Resolution;  or  the  expiration  of  the  12-month  period  following  the  passing  of  this
Resolution;  or  the  date  on  which  the  authority  sets  out  in  this  Resolution  is  revoked  or
varied  by  a  special  resolution  of  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  in  a  general  meeting;
and

“Rights Issue” means the allotment or issue of shares in the Company or other securities which
would  or  might  require  shares  to  be  allotted  and  issued  pursuant  to  an  offer  made  to  all  the
shareholders of the Company (excluding for such purpose any shareholder who is resident in a
place where such offer is not permitted under the law of that place) and, where appropriate, the
holder  of  other  equity  securities  of  the  Company  entitled  to  such  offer,  pro  rata  (apart  from
fractional entitlements) to their existing holdings of shares or such other equity securities; and

(4)

contingent on the Board of Directors resolving to issue shares pursuant to sub-paragraph (2) of
this Resolution, the Board of Directors be and is hereby authorized to approve, execute and do
or procure to be executed and done, all such documents, deeds, and thing as it may consider
necessary  in  connection  with  the  issue  of  such  new  shares  (including,  without  limitation,
determining  the  time  and  place  of  issue,  making  all  necessary  applications  to  the  relevant
authorities, entering into an underwriting agreement (or any other agreements), determining the
use of proceeds and making all necessary filings and registrations with the relevant PRC, Hong
Kong  and  other  authorities,  including  but  not  limited  to  registering  the  increased  registered
capital  of  the  Company  with  the  relevant  authorities  in  the  PRC  in  accordance  with  the  actual
increase  of  capital  as  a  result  of  the  issuance  of  shares  pursuant  to  sub-paragraph  (2)  of  this
Resolution.”

By Order of the Board of Directors
Heng Kwoo Seng
Company Secretary
April 23, 2004

Notes:

1.

Amendments to Articles of Association of the Company

(1)

(2)

(3)

The  amendments  to  Articles  6,  16  and  19  mentioned  in  the  special  resolution  under  paragraph  11  above
was  proposed  as  a  result  of  the  completion  of  the  initial  public  offering  of  the  H  Shares  of  the  Company.
Under the rules and regulations of the applicable law of The People’s Republic of China, the capital clause of
the Company shall be amended to correspond with the actual number of shares of the Company in issue.

The amendment to the second paragraph of Article 92 mentioned in the special resolution under paragraph
11  above  was  proposed  to  ensure  the  proper  operation  of  the  Company  in  the  event  that  the  Chairman  is
unable to carry out his duties.

The  amendments  to  Article  66,  the  second  paragraph  of  Article  88,  Article  89  and  Article  97  mentioned  in
the special resolution under paragraph 11 above were proposed to comply with several specified requirements
under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited revised by
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and which came into effect on March 31, 2004.

To Serve and Protect

65

(4)

The  special  resolution  relating  to  the  amendments  of  the  Articles  of  Association  at  the  Annual  General
Meeting is subject to the approval of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission of the PRC and the report
to the China Securities Regulatory Commission of the PRC.

2.

Grant of general mandate to issue new shares

The purpose of the proposed special resolution under paragraph 12 above is to seek approval from the shareholders
in the Annual General Meeting to grant a mandate to the Board of Directors to allot and issue new shares subject to
the applicable laws, rules and regulations.

The Board of Directors wishes to state that they have no immediate plan to issue any new shares.

3.

Eligibility for attending the Annual General Meeting

Holders of H Shares of the Company whose names appear on the register of members of the Company kept at the
Share  Registrar  of  the  Company,  Computershare  Hong  Kong  Investor  Services  Limited,  and  holder  of  Domestic
Shares whose name appears on the domestic shares register maintained by the Company at the close of business
of Tuesday, May 18, 2004 are entitled to attend and vote the Annual General Meeting.

To qualify for attendance and vote at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, June 18, 2004, all transfers
of  H  Shares  accompanied  by  the  relevant  share  certificates  must  be  lodged  with  the  Company’s  Share  Registrar,
Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited of Room 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s
Road East, Hong Kong not later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2004.

4.

Proxy

(1)

(2)

Each  shareholder  entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  may  appoint  one  or  more
proxies in writing to attend and vote on his behalf. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. Any
shareholder who wishes to appoint a proxy should read the 2003 annual report which will be dispatched to
shareholders on or before April 30,2004.

The  instrument  appointing  a  proxy  must  be  in  writing  by  the  appointor  or  his  attorney  duly  authorized  in
writing,  or  if  the  appointor  is  a  legal  entity,  either  under  seal  or  signed  by  a  director  or  a  duly  authorized
attorney. If that instrument is signed by an attorney of the appointor, the power of attorney authorizing that
attorney to sign or other document of authorization must be notarized.  To be valid, for holders of Domestic
Shares,  the  form  of  proxy  and  notarized  power  of  attorney  or  other  document  of  authorization  must  be
delivered to the registered office of the Company not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for the
Annual General Meeting. To be valid, for holders of H Shares, the above documents must be delivered to the
Company’s  Share  Registrar,  Computershare  Hong  Kong  Investor  Services  Limited,  within  the  same  period
(Form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting has been attached herewith).

(3)

A proxy of a shareholder who has appointed more than one proxy may only vote on a poll.

5.

Registration procedures for attending the Annual General Meeting

(1)

(2)

A shareholder or his proxy should produce proof of identity when attending the Annual General Meeting. If a
corporate shareholder appoints its legal representative to attend the meeting, such legal representative shall
produce proof of identity and a copy of the resolution of the board of directors or other governing body of
such shareholder appointing such legal representative to attend the meeting.

Shareholders of the Company intending to attend the Annual General Meeting in person or by their proxies
should return the reply slip personally, by post or by facsimile for attending the Annual General Meeting to
the registered office of the Company on or before Saturday, May 29, 2004.

6.

Closure of Register of Members

The register of members of the Company will be closed from Tuesday, May 18, 2004 to Friday, June 18, 2004 (both
dates inclusive).

7.

Miscellaneous

(1)

(2)

The  Annual  General  Meeting  is  expected  to  be  held  for  less  than  half  a  day.  Shareholders  who  attend  the
meeting shall bear their own travelling and accommodation expenses.

The  registered  office  of  the  Company  is:  Level  23,  16  Chaowei  Avenue,  Chaoyang  District,  Beijing,  The
People’s Republic of China

Postal code:
Contact office:
Telephone No.:
Facsimile No.:

100020
Investor Relations Department
86 10 8565 9778
86 10 8525 2232

66

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Corporate Information

Company Name

Directors

Supervisors

Company Secretaries

Authorized Representatives

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司
China Life Insurance Company Limited

Executive Directors

Wang Xianzhang

Miao Fuchun

Non-executive Directors

Wu Yan

Independent non-executive Directors

Long Yongtu

Chau Tak Hay

Liu Yingqi

Wu Weimin

Zhou Xinping

Zheng Yong

Heng Kwoo Seng

Miao Fuchun

Zheng Yong

Registered Office

China Life Tower

16 Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang District

Beijing 100020, China

Tel: 86(10) 8565 9999

Fax: 86(10) 8525 2232

Website: www.chinalife.com.cn

Place of business in Hong Kong

18th Floor, C.L.I. Building

Auditors

Legal Advisers

313 Hennessy Road, Wanchai

Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2881 1226/2545 8111

Fax: (852) 2577 2293/2544 4395

PricewaterhouseCoopers

King & Wood

Allen & Overy

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

H Share registrar and transfer office

Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited

Room 1901-5, 19th Floor, Hopewell Centre

183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong

To Serve and Protect

67

Depositary

JPMorgan Chase Bank

4 New York Plaza, New York

New York 10004

Places of listing

H Share: The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

Stock code: 2628

American depositary shares

The New York Stock Exchange

Stock code: LFC

Principal bankers

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

55 Fuxingmennei Street

Xicheng District

Beijing 100032

Agricultural Bank of China

A23 Fuxing Street

Xicheng District

Beijing 100037

China

Bank of China

1 Fuxingmennei Street

Xicheng District

Beijing 100818

China

China Construction Bank

25 Jirong Street

Xicheng District

Beijing 10032

China

Bank of Communications

188 Yin Cheng Zhong Lu

Shanghai 200120

China

68

中 國 人 壽 保 險 股 份 有 限 公 司  2003 年 年 報

To Serve and Protect

69

A strong
financial position

70

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Auditors’ Report

PricewaterhouseCoopers
22nd Floor Prince’s Building
Central Hong Kong
Telephone (852) 2289 8888
(852) 2810 9888
Facsimile

AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
CHINA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
(Incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

We have audited the financial statements of China Life Insurance Company Ltd (the “Company”) and its
subsidiaries (the “Group”) as set out on pages 71 to 119 which have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

The directors are responsible for the preparation of financial statements which give a true and fair view.
In  preparing  financial  statements  which  give  a  true  and  fair  view  it  is  fundamental  that  appropriate
accounting policies are selected and applied consistently.

It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion, based on our audit, on those financial statements
and  to  report  our  opinion  solely  to  you,  as  a  body,  and  for  no  other  purpose.  We  do  not  assume
responsibility towards or accept liability to any other persons for the contents of this report.

Basis of opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Statements of Auditing Standards issued by the Hong Kong
Society  of  Accountants.  An  audit  includes  examination,  on  a  test  basis,  of  evidence  relevant  to  the
amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  It  also  includes  an  assessment  of  the  significant
estimates  and  judgements  made  by  the  directors  in  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements,  and  of
whether  the  accounting  policies  are  appropriate  to  the  circumstances  of  the  Company  and  the  Group,
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We  planned  and  performed  our  audit  so  as  to  obtain  all  the  information  and  explanations  which  we
considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance as to
whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material  misstatement.  In  forming  our  opinion  we  also
evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and
of  the  Group  as  at  December  31,  2003  and  of  the  Group’s  results  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  then
ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the Companies
Ordinance.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong, April 23, 2004

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

For the year ended December 31, 2003

To Serve and Protect

71

Note

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

REVENUES

Gross written premiums and policy fees

Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net written premiums and policy fees

Net change in unearned premium reserves

Net premiums earned and policy fees

Net investment income

Net realised gain on investments

Net unrealised gain/(loss) on trading securities

Other income

Total revenues

BENEFITS, CLAIMS AND EXPENSES

Insurance benefits and claims

Life insurance death and other benefits

Accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses

Increase in future life policyholder benefits

Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits

Policyholder dividends and participation in profits

Amortisation of deferred policy acquisition costs

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses

Interest expense on bank borrowings

Statutory insurance levy

Total benefits, claims and expenses

Loss before income tax expenses and minority interests

Income tax expenses

Loss before minority interests

Minority interests

Loss attributable to shareholders

Dividends

4.1

4.1

4.1

12

12

12

6

19

20

69,334

(1,571)

68,769

(1,869)

67,763

66,900

(547)

(476)

67,216

66,424

9,825

868

247

727

8,347

266

(1,067)

338

78,883

74,308

(8,570)

(4,882)

(7,010)

(4,053)

(43,084)

(45,374)

(7,260)

(1,207)

(5,023)

(1,294)

(6,862)

(872)

(7)

(85)

(7,095)

(641)

(3,832)

(1,661)

(6,162)

(634)

(7)

(73)

(79,146)

(76,542)

(263)

(1,180)

(2,234)

(14)

(1,443)

(2,248)

15

(2)

(1,428)

(2,250)

–

–

Basic and diluted loss per share

22

RMB(0.07)

RMB(0.11)

72

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at December 31, 2003

ASSETS

Investments

Fixed maturity securities

Held-to-maturity securities, at amortised cost

Non-trading securities, at estimated fair value

Equity  securities

Non-trading securities, at estimated fair value

Trading securities, at estimated fair value

Term deposits

Statutory deposits – restricted

Investments in associated companies

Policy loans

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Other

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Accrued investment income

Premiums  receivables

Reinsurance  assets

Deferred policy acquisition costs

Property, plant and equipment, net

Other

Total assets

Note

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

4.4

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.6

4.7

4.5

4.8

9

10

7

6

8

11

70,604

–

70,604

10,718

5,550

5,168

76,337

1,220

75,117

12,171

8,101

4,070

137,192

123,675

4,000

–

116

14,002

–

42,616

991

2,035

106

36,388

231

14,529

279,248

266,463

2,875

2,801

997

24,868

12,008

5,923

4,198

1,757

1,224

18,084

18,457

3,587

49,472

47,307

328,720

313,770

To Serve and Protect

73

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Liabilities

Future life policyholder benefits

Policyholder contract deposits and other funds

Unearned premium reserves

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses

Annuity and other insurance balances payable

Premiums received in advance

Policyholder deposits

Policyholder dividends payable

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Bank borrowings

Provision

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Statutory insurance fund

Note

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

13

13

13

14

15

16

17

20

18

82,718

154,731

5,382

814

638

2,407

–

1,916

6,448

–

–

6,891

3,686

333

305,363

156,273

5,036

879

8,057

1,767

592

688

3,602

313

445

4,716

–

1,337

Total liabilities

265,964

489,068

Contingencies and commitments

26,27

Minority interests

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings/(accumulated loss)

320

165

24

25

26,765

34,051

1,620

–

1,430

(176,893)

Total shareholders’ equity

62,436

(175,463)

Total liabilities and equity

328,720

313,770

74

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Balance Sheet

As at December 31, 2003

ASSETS

Investments

Fixed maturity securities

Non-trading securities, at estimated fair value

Equity  securities

Non-trading securities, at estimated fair value

Trading securities, at estimated fair value

Term deposits

Statutory deposits – restricted

Investment in subsidiary

Policy loans

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Accrued investment income

Premiums  receivables

Reinsurance  assets

Deferred policy acquisition costs

Property, plant and equipment, net

Other

Total assets

Note

2003
RMB million

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.6

4.7

28

4.8

9

10

7

6

8

11

70,604

70,604

10,718

5,550

5,168

137,192

4,000

480

116

14,002

41,815

278,927

2,875

2,801

997

24,868

12,004

5,916

49,461

328,388

To Serve and Protect

75

Note

2003
RMB million

13

13

13

14

17

20

18

26,27

24

25

82,718

154,731

5,382

814

638

2,407

1,916

6,448

6,879

3,686

333

265,952

26,765

32,972

2,699

62,436

328,388

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Liabilities

Future life policyholder benefits

Policyholder contract deposits and other funds

Unearned premium reserves

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses

Annuity and other insurance balances payable

Premiums received in advance

Policyholder dividends payable

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Statutory insurance fund

Total liabilities

Contingencies and commitments

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and equity

76

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended December 31, 2003

The Group

Note

(Accumulated
Paid in loss)/retained
earnings
 capital
RMB million
RMB million

As of January 1, 2002

Net loss

Unrealised losses, net of tax

Profit capitalisation

Investments transferred from

parties under common control

As of December 31, 2002

As of January 1, 2003

Net loss

Appropriation to statutory reserves

Unrealised loss, net of tax

Capital contribution by CLIC

Issue of shares

Share issue expenses

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20,000

6,765

–

25

2(a)

Reserves
RMB million
(Note 25)

Total
RMB million

2,051

(172,348)

–

(871)

244

6

(2,250)

(871)

–

6

(174,399)

(2,250)

–

(244)

–

(176,893)

1,430

(175,463)

(176,893)

1,430

(175,463)

(1,428)

(53)

–

179,994

–

–

–

53

(2,732)

17,358

19,328

(1,386)

(1,428)

–

(2,732)

217,352

26,093

(1,386)

As of December 31, 2003

26,765

1,620

34,051

62,436

The Company

As of July 1, 2003

Net profit

Paid in
 capital
RMB million

Retained
earnings
RMB million

Note

Reserves
RMB million
(Note 25)

Total
RMB million

20,000

–

17,533

37,533

Appropriation to statutory reserves

25

Unrealised loss, net of tax

Issue of shares

Share issue expenses

–

–

–

6,765

–

2,752

(53)

–

–

–

–

53

(2,556)

19,328

(1,386)

2,752

–

(2,556)

26,093

(1,386)

As of December 31, 2003

26,765

2,699

32,972

62,436

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended December 31, 2003

To Serve and Protect

77

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss

Adjustments for non-cash items:
Changes in minority interests
Net realised and unrealised (gain)/loss on investments
Amortisation of deferred acquisition costs
Other  impairments
(Profit)/loss from investments in associated companies
Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits
Investment contract policy fees
Depreciation  and  amortisation
Revaluation of investment properties
Amortisation of fixed maturities, premiums and discounts
(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets
Deferred income tax

Changes in operational assets and liabilities:

Deferred policy acquisition costs
Reinsurance  assets
Accrued investment income
Receivables and payables
Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses
Unearned premium reserves
Future life policyholder benefits
Statutory insurance fund

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

(1,428)

(2,250)

(15)
(1,115)
5,023
93
(16)
7,260
(6,097)
1,186
181
101
(69)
1,041

(11,806)
326
(184)
361
(65)
547
43,066
120

2
1,067
3,832
7
6
7,095
(5,010)
1,359
–
129
91
–

(10,649)
(5)
(671)
3,072
12
476
45,374
122

Net cash inflow from operating activities

38,510

44,059

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Sales and maturities:

Fixed maturity securities
Equity  securities
Fixed assets

Purchases:

Fixed  maturities
Equity  securities
Fixed assets
Term deposits, net
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Proceeds from investment in securities sold under agreements

to repurchase, net

Other (mainly policy loans), net

36,507
4,514
263

(71,540)
(13,575)
(2,242)
(75,724)
13,854

2,846
(69)

9,711
5,371
283

(34,161)
(10,911)
(1,796)
(47,593)
(5,908)

(11,006)
112

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(105,166)

(95,898)

78

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended December 31, 2003

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Contribution from minority shareholders
Proceeds from shares issued
Deposits accepted on investment contracts
Withdrawals from investment contracts
Repayment of bank borrowings
Cash and cash equivalents retained by CLIC upon the

consummation of the Restructuring (note 2(a))

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

320
24,710
91,343
(13,329)
(2)

–
–
64,574
(15,995)
(66)

(8,299)

–

Net cash inflow from financing activities

94,743

48,513

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

28,087

(3,326)

Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year

End of year

Supplemental cash flow information

Income tax paid
Interest paid

14,529

17,855

42,616

14,529

8
7

14
7

To Serve and Protect

79

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2003

1 Organization and principal activities

China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  (the  “Company”)  was  established  in  the  People’s  Republic  of
China  (“China”  or  “PRC”)  on  June  30,  2003  as  a  joint  stock  company  with  limited  liability  as  part  of  a
group  restructuring  of  China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company  (formerly  China  Life  Insurance  Company
(“CLIC”) and its subsidiaries (the “Restructuring”). The Company and its subsidiaries, and prior to September
30, 2003, CLIC and its subsidiaries, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group”. The Group’s
principal  activity  is  the  writing  of  life  insurance  business,  providing  life,  annuities,  accident  and  health
insurance products in China.

Pursuant  to  the  Restructuring,  CLIC  transferred  to  the  Company  (1)  all  long-term  insurance  policies
(policies  having  a  term  of  more  than  one  year  from  the  date  of  issuance)  issued  on  or  after  June  10,
1999,  having  policy  terms  approved  by  or  filed  with  the  China  Insurance  Regulatory  Commission  (the
“CIRC”) on or after June 10, 1999 and either (i) recorded as a long-term insurance policy as of June 30,
2003  in  a  database  attached  to  the  restructuring  agreement  as  an  annex  or  (ii)  having  policy  terms  for
group supplemental medical insurance (fund type), (2) stand-alone short-term policies (policies having a
term  of  one  year  or  less  from  the  date  of  issuance)  issued  on  or  after  June  10,  1999  and  (3)  all  riders
supplemental to the policies described in clauses (1) and (2) above. These policies are referred to as the
“transferred policies”. All other insurance policies were retained by CLIC. These policies are referred to
as the “non-transferred policies”. The Company issued 20,000 million Domestic Shares in exchange for
various  liabilities  related  to  the  life  insurance  business  of  the  transferred  policies  and  certain  assets
(collectively  the  “Transferred  Business”).  CLIC  retained  (i)  various  liabilities  related  to  the  life  insurance
business of non-transferred policies and certain assets, (ii) equity interests in all subsidiaries and associated
companies, (iii) all non-core businesses, and (iv) the ownership of certain assets and liabilities including
certain  office  buildings,  bank  balances,  investments  in  fixed  maturity  securities  and  equity  securities,
borrowings, claims, contingent and tax liabilities (collectively the “Non-transferred Business”). On September
30,  2003,  CLIC  and  the  Company  signed  a  binding  restructuring  agreement  that  identified  all  specific
assets and liabilities to be transferred to the Company from CLIC.

2

Principal accounting policies

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  accounting  principles  generally
accepted in Hong Kong (“HK GAAP”) and comply with accounting standards issued by the Hong Kong
Society of Accountants (“HKSA”). They have been prepared under the historical cost convention except
that,  as  disclosed  in  the  accounting  policies  below,  investment  properties  and  non-trading  and  trading
investments are stated at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below:

80

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(a) Basis of preparation

The consummation of the Restructuring occurred for accounting purposes on September 30, 2003,
which is the date on which the Company and CLIC signed the legally binding restructuring agreement
that identified all specific assets and liabilities to be transferred to the Company from CLIC.

Prior  to  the  consummation  of  the  Restructuring,  the  Transferred  Business  and  Non-transferred
Business have been historically under common management from a number of significant aspects,
such  as  policy  design,  distribution,  plan  servicing,  asset  management,  accounting  and  financing.
Therefore,  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  up  to  the  date  of  the
consummation of the Restructuring reflect the consolidated financial results of the business of CLIC
and  its  subsidiaries  (including  both  the  Transferred  Business  and  Non-transferred  Business).
Accordingly,  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,
2003 included the results of the Transferred Business and Non-transferred Business up to September
30, 2003, the consummation date of the Restructuring and the results of the Transferred Business
from  October  1,  2003  to  December  31,  2003.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year
ended  December  31,  2002  include  the  results  of  the  Transferred  Business  and  Non-transferred
Business.

Upon the consummation date of the Restructuring, the Non-transferred business, consisting of an
excess of liabilities over assets, retained by CLIC was derecognised and reflected in the Company’s
financial  statements  as  a  capital  contribution  on  such  date.  This  presentation  is  considered
appropriate as CLIC wholly owns the Transferred Business transferred to the Company before and
immediately after the Restructuring. The assets and liabilities retained by CLIC are as follows:

ASSETS
Investments
Accrued investment income
Premiums receivables
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other

Total assets

Liabilities
Future life policyholders’ benefits
Policyholders’ contract deposits and other funds
Annuity and other insurance balances payable
Other liabilities
Statutory insurance fund

Total liabilities

Minority interest

RMB million

123,774
1,507
1,249
6,966
7,653

141,149

266,046
80,243
8,935
2,003
1,124

358,351

150

Net liabilities relating to Non-transferred business retained by CLIC

(217,352)

To Serve and Protect

81

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(b) Group accounting

(i)

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries made up to December 31. Subsidiaries are those entities in which the Company,
or, prior to September 30, 2003, CLIC directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the
voting  power;  has  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and  operating  policies;  to  appoint  or
remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; or to cast majority of votes at
the meetings of the board of directors.

All  significant  inter-company  transactions  and  balances  within  the  Group  are  eliminated  on
consolidation. Minority interests represent the interests of outside shareholders in the operating
results and net assets of subsidiaries.

The  results  of  subsidiaries  acquired  or  disposed  of  during  the  year  are  included  in  the
consolidated profit and loss account from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal,
as  appropriate.  The  gain  or  loss  on  the  disposal  of  a  subsidiary  represents  the  difference
between  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  and  the  Group’s  share  of  its  net  assets  together  with  any
unamortised goodwill or negative goodwill and which was not previously charged or recognised
in  the  consolidated  profit  and  loss  account  and  any  related  accumulated  foreign  currency
translation reserve.

In the Company’s balance sheet the investment in subsidiary is stated at cost less provision
for impairment losses. The result of subsidiary is accounted for by the Company on the basis
of dividends received and receivable.

(ii) Associated companies

An associated company is a company, not being a subsidiary or a joint venture, in which an
equity interest is held for the long-term and significant influence is exercised in its management.

The consolidated profit and loss accounts include the Group’s share of the results of associated
companies for the year, and the consolidated balance sheets include the Group’s share of the
net  assets  of  the  associated  companies  and  goodwill/negative  goodwill  (net  of  accumulated
amortisation) on acquisition.

Equity accounting is discontinued when the carrying amount of the investment in an associated
company reaches zero, unless the Group has incurred obligations or guaranteed obligations in
respect of the associated company.

82

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(c) Revenue recognition

Premiums:

Premiums  from  traditional  life  insurance  contracts,  including  participating  contracts  and  annuity
policies with life contingencies, are recognised as revenue when due from the policyholders. Benefits
and expenses are provided against such revenue to recognise profits over the estimated life of the
policies. Moreover, for single premium and limited pay contracts, premiums are recorded as income
when due with any excess profit deferred and recognised in income in a constant relationship to the
insurance in-force or, for annuities, the amount of expected benefit payments.

Premiums from the sale of accident and health insurance products are recorded when written and
are accreted to earnings on a pro-rata basis over the term of the related policy coverage. However,
for those contracts for which the period of risk differs significantly from the contract period, premiums
are recognised over the period of risk in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.
The  unearned  premium  reserve  represents  the  portion  of  the  premiums  written  relating  to  the
unexpired terms of coverage.

Amounts collected as premiums from investment type contracts are reported as deposits. Revenue
from  these  contracts  consists  of  policy  fees  charged  against  the  deposit  amount  for  the  cost  of
insurance, administration fees and gains on surrenders during the year. Policy benefits and claims
that  are  charged  to  expenses  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in  the  year  in  excess  of  related
policyholder contract deposits and interest credited to policyholder deposits.

Turnover of the Group represents gross written premiums and policy fees.

Net investment income:

Net investment income is accrued for interest from term deposits, cash and cash equivalents, fixed
maturity securities, securities purchased under agreements to resell, policy loans and other loans,
dividends from equity securities, rental income from investment property and share of profits/losses
from investment in associates less investment expenses. Net investment income is recorded on an
accrual basis and recognised on a time proportion basis, taking into account the principal amount
outstanding and the interest rate applicable.

(d) Deferred policy acquisition costs

The costs of acquiring new business including commissions, underwriting and policy issue expenses,
which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, are deferred. Deferred
policy  acquisition  costs  are  subject  to  recoverability  testing  at  the  time  of  policy  issue  and  at  the
end  of  each  accounting  period.  Future  investment  income  is  taken  into  account  in  assessing
recoverability.

Deferred  policy  acquisition  costs  for  traditional  life  insurance  and  annuity  policies  are  amortised
over the expected life of the contracts as a constant percentage of expected premiums. Expected
premiums are estimated at the date of policy issue and are consistently applied throughout the life
of the contract unless premium deficiency occurs.

Deferred policy acquisition costs for investment type contracts are amortised over the expected life
of the contracts based on a constant rate of the present value of estimated gross profits expected
to be realised over the life of the contract. Estimated gross profits include expected amounts to be
assessed  for  mortality,  administration,  investment  and  surrender  less  benefit  claims  in  excess  of
policyholder  balances,  administrative  expenses  and  interest  credited.  Estimated  gross  profits  are
revised  regularly  and  the  interest  rate  used  to  compute  the  present  value  of  revised  estimates  of
expected gross profits is the latest revised rate applied to the remaining benefit periods. Deviations
of actual results from estimated experience are reflected in the profit and loss accounts.

To Serve and Protect

83

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(e)

Insurance losses and reserves

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses:

These  represent  liabilities  for  claims  arising  under  short  duration  accident  and  health  insurance
contracts.  Claims  and  claim  adjustment  expenses  are  charged  to  the  profit  and  loss  accounts  as
incurred.  Unpaid  claims  and  claim  adjustment  expense  reserves  represent  the  accumulation  of
estimates  for  ultimate  losses  and  include  provisions  for  claims  incurred  but  not  yet  reported.  The
reserves represent estimates of future payments of reported and unreported claims for losses and
related expenses with respect to insured events that have occurred. Reserving is a complex process
dealing with uncertainty, requiring the use of informed estimates and judgments. The Group does
not  discount  its  claims  reserves,  other  than  for  settled  claims  with  fixed  payment  terms.  Any
changes  in  estimates  are  reflected  in  results  of  operations  in  the  year  in  which  estimates  are
changed.

Future life policyholder benefits, policyholder contract deposits and other funds:

These represent liabilities for estimated future policyholder benefit liability for traditional life insurance
policies and non-investment-linked investment contracts.

Future life policyholder benefits for traditional life insurance policies are calculated using a net level
premium valuation method based on actuarial assumptions as to mortality, persistency, expenses,
withdrawals, and investment return including a margin for adverse deviation. The assumptions are
established at policy issue and remain unchanged except where premium deficiency occurs.

Future  life  policyholder  benefits  include  the  value  of  accumulated  declared  bonuses  or  dividends
that have been vested to policyholders.

Policyholders’ contract deposits represent the accumulation of premium received less charges plus
declared dividends.

The policyholders’ share of unrealised gains or losses in respect of assets held by the Group, which
may  be  paid  to  profit  participating  policyholders  in  the  future  under  the  policy  terms  in  respect  of
assets,  is  included  in  liabilities  for  future  life  policyholder’s  benefits  offsetting  the  policyholders’
share of the change in unrealised gains and losses during the year.

(f) Reinsurance

The  Group  cedes  15%  (20%  before  January  1,  2003)  insurance  premiums  and  risk  from  short
duration  accident  and  health  contracts  to  China  Reinsurance  Company  under  relevant  statutory
reinsurance regulation of the PRC and cedes insurance and premiums risk from other contracts in
the normal course of business in order to limit the potential for losses arising from longer exposures.
Reinsurance does not relieve the originating insurer of its liability. The Group may assume reinsurance
business  incidental  to  their  normal  business.  Such  business  is  not  significant  to  the  Group’s
operations.

Reinsurance assets include the balances due under reinsurance contracts from both insurance and
reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, ceded unearned
premiums,  ceded  future  life  policy  benefits  and  funds  held  under  reinsurance  treaties.  Amounts
recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated
with the reinsured policy.

84

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(f) Reinsurance (continued)

Reinsurance  is  recorded  gross  in  the  balance  sheet  unless  a  right  of  offset  exists.  The  Group
evaluates the financial strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial conditions
of reinsurers.

Reinsurance contracts are contracts under which the Group has assessed to ensure that underwriting
risk, defined as the reasonable possibility of significant loss, and timing risk, defined as the reasonable
possibility  of  a  significant  variation  in  the  timing  of  cash  flows,  are  transferred  by  the  ceding
company to the reinsurers.

(g)

Investments in securities

Held-to-maturity securities:

Fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity are those which the Group has the ability and positive
intent to hold to maturity.

Held-to-maturity securities are stated in the balance sheet at cost plus/less any discount/premium
amortised to date. The discount or premium is amortised over the period to maturity and included
as  interest  income/expense  in  the  profit  and  loss  account.  Provision  is  made  when  there  is  a
diminution in value that is other than temporary.

The carrying amounts of individual held-to-maturity securities or holdings of the same securities are
reviewed  at  the  balance  sheet  date  in  order  to  assess  the  credit  risk  and  whether  the  carrying
amounts  are  expected  to  be  recovered.  Provisions  are  made  when  carrying  amounts  are  not
expected  to  be  recovered  and  are  recognised  in  the  profit  and  loss  account  as  an  expense
immediately.

Non-trading securities:

Investments other than trading or held-to-maturity are defined as non-trading and are stated at fair
value  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  individual  securities  are  credited  or
debited  to  the  investment  revaluation  reserve  until  the  security  is  sold,  or  is  determined  to  be
impaired.  Upon  disposal,  the  cumulative  gain  or  loss  representing  the  difference  between  the  net
sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant securities, together with any surplus/deficit
transferred from the investment revaluation reserve, is recognised in the profit and loss account.

Where  there  is  objective  evidence  that  individual  investments  are  impaired,  the  cumulative  loss
recorded in the revaluation reserve is taken to the profit and loss account.

Trading securities:

Fixed maturities and liquidity securities which the Group buys with the intention to resell in the near
term  are  classified  as  trading  and  are  carried  at  fair  value.  At  each  balance  sheet  date,  the  net
unrealised gains or losses arising from the changes in fair value of trading securities are recognised
in the profit and loss account. Profits or losses on disposal of trading securities, representing the
difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amounts, are recognised in the profit
and loss account as they arise.

To Serve and Protect

85

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(h)

Investment properties

Investment properties are interests in land and buildings in respect of which construction work and
development  have  been  completed  and  which  are  held  for  their  investment  potential,  any  rental
income being negotiated at arm’s length.

Investment properties are valued at intervals of not more than three years by independent valuers;
in each of the intervening years valuations are undertaken by professionally qualified executives of
the  Group.  The  valuations  are  on  an  open  market  value  basis  related  to  individual  properties  and
separate values are not attributed to land and buildings.

The  valuations  are  incorporated  in  the  annual  accounts.  Increases  in  valuation  are  credited  to  the
investment properties revaluation reserve. Decreases in valuation are first set off against increases
on earlier valuations on a portfolio basis and thereafter are debited to the profit and loss accounts.
Any subsequent increases are credited to the profit and loss accounts up to the amount previously
debited.

Upon the disposal of an investment property, the relevant portion of the revaluation reserve realised
in respect of previous valuations is released from the asset revaluation reserve to the profit and loss
account.

(i)

Policy loans

Policy loans originated by the Group are carried at amortised cost, net of provision for impairment
in  value.  Impairment  loss  on  policy  loans  is  generally  measured  based  on  the  present  value  of
expected future cash flows discounted at the instrument’s effective interest rate, except where the
value of the asset is collateral dependent, in which case the fair value of the underlying collateral is
used.  Interest  income  on  impaired  assets  is  recognised  based  on  the  original  effective  rate  of
interest.

(j)

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

The  Group  enters  into  purchases  of  securities  under  agreements  to  resell  substantially  identical
securities. These agreements are classified as secured loans. Securities purchased under agreements
to  resell  are  recorded  at  their  cost  plus  accrued  interest  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  which
approximates fair value. The amounts advanced under these agreements are reflected as assets in
the  balance  sheet.  The  Group  does  not  take  physical  possession  of  securities  purchased  under
agreements to resell. Sales or transfers of the securities are not permitted by the respective stock
exchanges  on  which  they  are  listed  while  the  loan  is  outstanding.  In  the  event  of  default  by  the
counterparty  to  repay  the  loan,  the  Group  has  the  right  to  the  underlying  securities  held  by  the
stock exchanges which are the custodians.

(k) Term deposits

Term deposits are bank deposits with fixed maturity dates. They are stated at amortised cost.

(l) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash  amounts  represent  cash  on  hand  and  demand  deposits.  Cash  equivalents  are  short-term,
highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less, which approximates fair value.

86

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(m) Securities sold with agreements to repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally
mature within 180 days from the transaction date. The Group may be required to provide additional
collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase  are  recorded  at  their  cost  plus  accrued  interest  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  It  is  the
Group’s  policy  to  maintain  effective  control  over  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase;
accordingly, such securities continue to be carried on the balance sheets.

(n) Property, plant and equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  historical  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and
accumulated  impairment  loss,  except  for  certain  assets  acquired  prior  to  January  1,  1997.  These
assets were acquired as a result of the prior restructuring in 1996 of People’s Insurance Company
of  China  (“PICC”),  a  state-owned  enterprise.  The  restructuring  created  CLIC’s  predecessor  as  a
specialised life insurance subsidiary of PICC. CLIC is unable to obtain historical cost information for
assets which were transferred to CLIC in that restructuring. Accordingly, these assets are stated at
deemed costs less accumulated depreciation. Deemed cost is determined on the basis of a valuation
performed as of January 1, 2000.

The  initial  cost  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  comprises  its  purchase  price,  including  import
duties and non-refundable purchase taxes, interest costs on borrowings to finance the acquisition,
and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its
intended use. The cost of major renovations is included in the carrying amount of the asset when it
is probable that future economic benefits in excess of the originally assessed standard of performance
of the existing asset will flow to the Group.

Assets  under  construction  represents  buildings  under  construction  and  are  stated  at  cost.  Costs
include construction and acquisition costs. No provision for depreciation is made on assets under
construction until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for use.

Depreciation:

Depreciation  is  computed  on  a  straight-line  basis  to  write  down  the  cost  of  each  asset  to  their
residual value over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures
Motor vehicles

Estimated useful lives

30 to 35 years
Over the remaining term of the lease
3 to 11 years
4 to 6 years

The useful life and depreciation methods are reviewed periodically to ensure that the method and
period of depreciation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from items of
property, plant and equipment.

Impairment and gain or loss on sale:

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment losses whenever events or changes in
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be  recoverable.  An  impairment  loss  is
recognised in the profit and loss account for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset
exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset’s net selling price and value in use.

The gain or loss on disposal of a property, plant and equipment is the difference between the net
sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant asset, and is recognised in the profit and
loss account.

To Serve and Protect

87

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(o) Deferred taxation

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements.
Currently enacted tax rates are used in the determination of deferred income tax.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit
will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  on  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in  subsidiaries
except  where  the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  the  temporary  difference  can  be  controlled  and  it  is
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

(p) Employee benefits

Pension benefits:

The full-time employees of the Group are covered by various government-sponsored pension plans
under  which  the  employees  are  entitled  to  a  monthly  pension  based  on  certain  formulas.  These
government agencies are responsible for the pension liability to these retired employees. The Group
contributes on a monthly basis to these pension plans. Under these plans, the Group has no legal
or  constructive  obligation  for  retirement  benefits  beyond  the  contributions  made.  Contributions  to
these plans are expensed as incurred. Voluntary payments made to certain former employees and
which were not made pursuant to a formal or informal plan are expensed as paid.

Termination and early retirement benefits:

Termination  benefits  are  payable  whenever  an  employee’s  employment  is  terminated  before  the
normal  retirement  date  or  whenever  an  employee  accepts  voluntary  redundancy  in  exchange  for
these  benefits.  The  Group  recognises  termination  benefits  when  it  is  demonstrably  committed  to
either terminate the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without
possibility of withdrawal or to provide termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage
voluntary  redundancy.  Benefits  falling  due  more  than  12  months  after  balance  sheet  date  are
discounted to present value using incremental borrowing rates available to the Group.

Housing benefits:

All  full-time  employees  of  the  Group  are  entitled  to  participate  in  various  government-sponsored
housing  funds.  The  Group  contributes  on  a  monthly  basis  to  these  funds  based  on  certain
percentages  of  the  salaries  of  the  employees.  The  Group’s  liability  in  respect  of  these  funds  is
limited to the contributions payable in each year.

(q) Foreign currency transactions

Foreign  currency  transactions  are  accounted  for  at  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  date  of
transaction.  Gains  and  losses  resulting  from  the  settlement  of  such  transaction  and  from  the
translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the exchange rate
prevailing at the balance sheet date are recognised in the profit and loss account.

(r) Operating leases

Leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of assets remain with the leasing
company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments under operating leases are charged to
the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.

88

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

2

Principal accounting policies (continued)

(s) Contingencies

A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will
only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not
wholly within the control of the Group. It can also be a present obligation arising from past events
that  is  not  recognised  because  it  is  not  probable  that  outflow  of  economic  resources  will  be
required or the amount of obligation cannot be measured reliably.

A  contingent  liability  is  not  recognised  in  the  balance  sheet  but  is  disclosed  in  the  notes  to  the
financial  statements.  When  a  change  in  the  probability  of  an  outflow  occurs  so  that  outflow  is
probable and can be reliably measured, it will then be recognised as a provision.

(t) Segment reporting

Business  segments  provide  products  or  services  that  are  subject  to  risks  and  returns  that  are
different from those of other business segments. Geographical segments provide products or services
within a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and returns that are different from
those  of  components  operating  in  other  economic  environments.  In  accordance  with  the  Group’s
internal financial reporting, the Group has determined that business segments be presented as the
primary reporting format. All assets and operations of the Group are located in the PRC, which is
considered as one geographical location in an economic environment with similar risks and returns.
The  accounting  policies  of  the  segments  are  the  same  as  those  described  in  the  summary  of
significant accounting policies. Details of the segment information are presented in note 3.

(u) Business risks and uncertainties

The development of liabilities for future policy benefits for the Group’s products requires management
to make estimates and assumptions regarding mortality, morbidity, lapse, expense, and investment
experience. Such estimates are primarily based on historical experience and future expectations of
mortality, morbidity, expense, persistency, and investment assumptions. Actual results could differ
materially  from  those  estimates.  Management  monitors  actual  experience  and,  if  circumstances
warrant, revises its assumptions and the related future policy benefit estimates.

The Group’s investments are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, and
securities purchased under agreements to resell. Significant changes in prevailing interest rates and
economic conditions may adversely affect the timing and amount of cash flows on such investments
and  their  related  values.  In  addition,  the  value  of  these  investments  is  often  derived  from  an
appraisal, an estimate or opinion of value. A significant decline in the fair value of these investments
could have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition.

The  Group’s  activities  are  with  policyholders  located  in  the  PRC.  Note  4  discusses  the  types  of
securities  that  the  Group  invests  in.  Note  3  discusses  the  types  of  insurance  products  that  the
Group  offers.  The  Group  does  not  have  any  significant  concentrations  to  any  one  industry  or
policyholder.

To Serve and Protect

89

3

Segment information

(a) Business segments

The Group has the following main business segments:

(i)

Individual life insurance business

Individual  life  insurance  business  relates  primarily  to  the  sale  of  life  insurance  contracts  to
individuals  and  comprises  participation  life  insurance  business  and  traditional  life  insurance
business.  Participation  life  insurance  business  relates  primarily  to  the  sale  of  participating
products,  which  provides  the  policyholder  with  a  participation  in  the  profits  arising  from  the
invested assets relating to the policy. Traditional life insurance business relates primarily to the
sale of non-participating products and annuities policies, which provides guaranteed benefits
to the insured without a participation in the profits.

(ii) Group life insurance business

Group life insurance business relates primarily to the sale of life insurance contracts to group
entities and comprises participation life insurance business and traditional life insurance business
described as above.

(iii) Accident and health insurance business

The accident and health insurance business relates primarily to the sale of accident and health
insurance and accident products.

(iv) Corporate and other

Corporate  and  other  business  relates  to  equity  interests  in  subsidiaries  and  associated
companies engaged in non-insurance businesses.

(b) Basis of allocating net investment income and administrative and other operating

expenses

Net  investment  income  is  allocated  among  segments  in  proportion  to  the  respective  segments’
average  statutory  policyholder  reserve  and  claims  provision  at  the  beginning  and  end  of  the  year.
Administrative  and  other  operating  expenses  are  allocated  among  segments  in  proportion  to  the
expense loadings of products in the respective segments.

90

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

3

Segment information (continued)

Individual
life

For the year ended December 31, 2003
Corporate
& other

Accident
& Health

Group
life

Total
RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million

Revenues

Gross written premiums and

policy fees

Gross written premiums

– Term
– Whole
– Endowment
– Annuity
Policy fees
Net premiums earned and

policy fees

Net investment income
Net realised gains on investments
Net unrealised gains on
trading  securities

Other income

58,541
52,773
293
25,821
17,819
8,840
5,768

58,541
8,472
748

207
–

588
260
8
252
–
–
328

588
1,190
108

36
–

10,205
–
–
–
–
–
–

8,087
163
12

4
–

Segment revenue

67,968

1,922

8,266

Benefits, claims and expenses
Insurance benefits and claims
Life insurance death and

other benefits

Accident and health claims

(7,744)

(826)

–

and claim adjustment expenses

–

–

(4,882)

Increase in future life

policyholder  benefits

Policyholder dividends and
participation in profits

Amortisation of deferred policy

acquisition  costs
Underwriting and policy
acquisition  costs

Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Interest expense on bank

borrowings

Interest credited to policyholder

contract  deposits
Statutory insurance levy

Segment benefits, claims and

expenses

(43,203)

(1,152)

(4,873)

(882)
(5,047)
(246)

–

119

(55)

(47)

(8)
(131)
(6)

–

(5,029)
–

(2,231)
–

–

–

(103)

(404)
(1,347)
(65)

–

–
(85)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
727

727

–

–

–

–

–

–
(337)
(555)

(7)

–
–

69,334

67,216
9,825
868

247
727

78,883

(8,570)

(4,882)

(43,084)

(1,207)

(5,023)

(1,294)
(6,862)
(872)

(7)

(7,260)
(85)

(68,176)

(3,185)

(6,886)

(899)

(79,146)

Segment results

(208)

(1,263)

1,380

(172)

(263)

Income tax expenses
Minority interests

–
–

–
–

–
–

(1,180)
15

(1,180)
15

Net profit/(loss)

(208)

(1,263)

1,380

(1,337)

(1,428)

To Serve and Protect

91

3

Segment information (continued)

As at December 31, 2003

Individual
life

Total
RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million

Group
life

Accident
& Health

Corporate
& other

Assets
Investments
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Accrued investment income

237,416
24,131
2,444

35,160
559
362

6,672
178
69

Segment assets

263,991

36,081

6,919

Unallocated
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other assets

Total

Liabilities

Future life policyholder benefits
Policyholder contract deposits

and other funds

Unearned premium reserves
Securities sold under agreements

to repurchase

Reserves for claims and claim

adjustment  expenses

81,658

1,060

–

135,090
–

19,641
–

5,482

–

812

–

–
5,382

154

814

Segment liabilities

222,230

21,513

6,350

Unallocated
Other liabilities

Total

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

279,248
24,868
2,875

306,991

12,008
9,721

328,720

82,718

154,731
5,382

6,448

814

250,093

15,871

265,964

92

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

3

Segment information (continued)

Revenues
Gross written premiums and

policy fees

Gross written premiums

– Term
– Whole
– Endowment
– Annuity
Policy fees
Net premiums earned and

policy fees

Net investment income
Net realised gains on investments
Net unrealised losses on

trading  securities

Other income

Segment revenue

Benefits, claims and expenses
Insurance benefits and claims
Life insurance death and

other benefits

Accident and health claims and
claim adjustment expenses
Increase in future life policyholder

benefits

Policyholder dividends and
participation in profits

Amortisation of deferred policy

acquisition  costs
Underwriting and policy
acquisition  costs

Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Interest expenses on
bank  borrowings

Interest credited to policyholder

contract  deposits
Statutory insurance levy

Segment benefits, claims

and expenses

For the year ended December 31, 2002

Individual
life
RMB million

Group
life
RMB million

Accident
& Health
RMB million

Corporate
& other
RMB million

Total
RMB million

58,902
54,269
160
24,942
19,182
9,985
4,633

58,902
7,078
225

(905)
–

749
372
1
344
23
4
377

749
1,152
37

(147)
–

9,118
–
–
–
–
–
–

6,773
117
4

(15)
–

65,300

1,791

6,879

(5,252)

(1,735)

(23)

–

–

(4,053)

(45,487)

(614)

(3,574)

(1,258)
(5,216)
(370)

–

(4,599)
–

113

(27)

(103)

(2)
(9)
(7)

–

(2,496)
–

–

–

(155)

(401)
(937)
(47)

–

–
(73)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
338

338

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
(210)

(7)

–
–

68,769

66,424
8,347
266

(1,067)
338

74,308

(7,010)

(4,053)

(45,374)

(641)

(3,832)

(1,661)
(6,162)
(634)

(7)

(7,095)
(73)

(66,370)

(4,266)

(5,689)

(217)

(76,542)

Segment results

(1,070)

(2,475)

1,190

121

(2,234)

Income tax expenses
Minority interests

–
–

–
–

–
–

(14)
(2)

(14)
(2)

Net profit/(loss)

(1,070)

(2,475)

1,190

105

(2,250)

To Serve and Protect

93

3

Segment information (continued)

As at December 31, 2002

Individual
life
RMB million

Group
life
RMB million

Accident
& Health
RMB million

Corporate
& other
RMB million

Total
RMB million

Assets

Investments
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Accrued investment income

Segment assets

225,944
17,638
3,560

247,142

36,782
343
579

37,704

3,737
103
59

3,899

Unallocated
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other assets

Total

Liabilities

Future life policyholder benefits
Policyholder contract deposits

and other funds

Unearned premium reserves
Securities sold under agreements

to repurchase

Reserves for claims and claim

adjustment  expenses

304,043

1,320

–

117,951
–

38,322
–

3,054

–

497

–

–
5,036

51

879

5,966

Segment liabilities

425,048

40,139

Unallocated
Other liabilities

Total

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

266,463
18,084
4,198

288,745

18,457
6,568

313,770

305,363

156,273
5,036

3,602

879

471,153

17,915

489,068

94

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

4

Investments

4.1 Investment Results

Net investment income:
Fixed maturity securities
Equity securities
Term deposits and cash and cash equivalents
Investment properties
Investment in associated companies
Policy loans
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Other investments

Subtotal
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Investment expense

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

2,793
312
5,543
58
16
4
1,121
10

9,857
(7)
(25)

2,723
240
4,310
67
(6)
7
1,094
9

8,444
(71)
(26)

Total

9,825

8,347

Net realised gain/(loss):
Fixed maturity securities
Gross realised gains
Gross realised losses
Impairment

Subtotal
Equity securities

Gross realised gains
Gross realised losses
Impairment

Subtotal

Total

Net unrealised gain/(loss):
Equity securities

Total

661
(104)
(7)

550

458
(140)
–

318

868

247

247

602
(97)
(59)

446

239
(417)
(2)

(180)

266

(1,067)

(1,067)

To Serve and Protect

95

4

Investments (continued)

4.2 Non-trading securities

Group and Company
As at December 31, 2003

Fixed maturity securities
Government bonds
Government agency bonds
Corporate bonds

Subtotal

Equity securities
Funds

Total

Group
As at December 31, 2002

Fixed maturity securities
Government bonds
Government agency bonds
Corporate bonds

Cost or
amortised
cost
RMB million

Gross
unrealised
gains
RMB million

Gross
unrealised
 losses
RMB million

Estimated
fair value
RMB million

40,449
27,234
4,508

72,191

5,422

77,613

424
39
10

473

135

608

(1,396)
(456)
(208)

39,477
26,817
4,310

(2,060)

70,604

(7)

5,550

(2,067)

76,154

49,661
20,615
3,212

1,634
351
126

(316)
(151)
(15)

50,979
20,815
3,323

Subtotal

73,488

2,111

(482)

75,117

Equity securities
Common stocks, unlisted
Funds

Subtotal

Total

957
7,523

8,480

–
3

3

–
(382)

957
7,144

(382)

8,101

81,968

2,114

(864)

83,218

The proceeds from sales of non-trading securities and the gross realised gains and losses for the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

Proceeds from sales of non-trading securities
Gross realised gains
Gross realised losses

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

40,339
919
(118)

14,390
697
(389)

96

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

4

Investments (continued)

4.3 Equity securities

Common stocks
Funds

Total

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

–
10,718

957
11,214

–
10,718

10,718

12,171

10,718

4.4 Fixed maturity securities – maturity schedule

Held-to-maturity

Maturing:
Within one year
After one year but within five years
After five years but within ten years
After ten years

Total

Group

Amortised cost
2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Estimated fair value

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

–
–
–
–

–

437
373
406
4

1,220

–
–
–
–

–

442
400
427
4

1,273

All held-to-maturity investments were retained by CLIC as a result of the Restructuring (see note 1).

Non-trading

Maturing:
Within one year
After one year but within five years
After five years but within ten years
After ten years

Group

Amortised cost
2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Estimated fair value

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

1,652
12,949
36,873
20,716

3,146
18,174
32,603
19,565

1,642
13,087
36,460
19,415

3,179
19,026
33,340
19,572

Total

72,190

73,488

70,604

75,117

Non-trading

Maturing:
Within one year
After one year but within five years
After five years but within ten years
After ten years

Total

Company

Amortised
cost
2003
RMB million

Estimated
 fair value
2003
RMB million

1,652
12,949
36,873
20,716

1,642
13,087
36,460
19,415

72,190

70,604

To Serve and Protect

97

4

Investments (continued)

4.5 Investments in associated companies

Investment cost
Share of post acquisition loss

Advances to associated companies*

Interest in associated companies

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

–
–

–
–

–

266
(159)

107
1,928

2,035

–
–

–
–

–

* The  advances  to  associated  companies  are  non-interest  bearing,  unsecured  and  have  no  fixed  repayment

terms.  All  investments  in  associated  companies  were  retained  by  CLIC  as  a  result  of  the  Restructuring (see

note 1).

4.6 Term deposits

Maturing:
Within one year
After one year but within five years
After five years but within ten years
After ten years

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

2,349
121,443
12,400
1,000

6,621
108,953
7,101
1,000

2,349
121,443
12,400
1,000

Total

137,192

123,675

137,192

4.7 Statutory deposits – restricted

Maturing:
Within one year
After one year but within five years

Total

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

600
3,400

4,000

41
950

991

600
3,400

4,000

Insurance companies in China are required to deposit an amount equal to 20% of their registered
capital with a bank designated by the CIRC. These funds may not be used for any purpose, other
than  to  pay  off  debts  during  a  liquidation  proceeding.  The  restricted  deposits  at  December  31,
2003  correspond  to  RMB20,000  million  share  capital  at  the  time  China  Life  was  established  (see
note 1). The additional share capital raised from the initial public offering in December 2003 was still
subject to statutory verification process at the year end. Additional statutory deposits will be made
in 2004.

98

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

4

Investments (continued)

4.8 Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Maturing:
Within 30 days
After 30 days but within 90 days
Over 90 days

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

3,672
5,229
5,101

14,740
6,186
15,462

3,672
5,229
5,101

Total

14,002

36,388

14,002

5

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction
between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm’s length transaction, rather than in forced or liquidation
sale.  The  methods  and  assumptions  used  by  the  Group  in  estimating  the  fair  value  of  the  financial
instruments are:

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, and securities purchased or sold under agreements to
resell  or  repurchase:  the  carrying  amounts  of  these  assets  in  the  balance  sheet  approximate  fair
values.

Fixed maturity securities: fair values are generally based upon quoted market prices. Where quoted
market  prices  are  not  readily  available,  fair  values  are  estimated  using  either  prices  observed  in
recent transactions or values obtained from quoted market prices of comparable investments.

Equity  securities:  fair  values  are  based  on  quoted  market  prices  except,  certain  common  stocks,
which are carried at cost as a reasonable estimate of their fair value.

Policy and other loans: the carrying values for policy loans approximate fair value.

Policyholder contract deposits and other funds: fair values are calculated by discounted cash flow
projections using current market interest rates.

Other  investment  assets:  as  quoted  market  prices  are  generally  not  readily  available  for  these
assets,  impairment  is  assessed  on  a  regular  basis,  and  as  significant  gains  for  the  Group  are  not
expected  to  arise,  the  carrying  value  of  these  assets  in  the  balance  sheet  (generally  cost  less
provision for impairment) is used as an estimate of the fair value.

Bank  borrowings:  as  the  bank  borrowings  are  at  variable  interest  rates,  their  carrying  values
approximate their fair values at the reporting date.

To Serve and Protect

99

5

Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

Fixed maturity securities
Equity securities
Term deposits
Securities purchased under

agreements to resell

Policy loans
Other investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Policyholder contract deposits

and other funds

Bank borrowings
Securities sold under

Total fair value

Total carrying value

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

70,604
10,718
137,192

14,002
116
–
42,616

76,390
12,171
123,675

36,388
106
231
14,529

70,604
10,718
137,192

14,002
116
–
42,616

76,337
12,171
123,675

36,388
106
231
14,529

(132,998)
–

(165,727)
(313)

(154,731)
–

(156,273)
(313)

agreements to repurchase

(6,448)

(3,602)

(6,448)

(3,602)

The  Group’s  activities  expose  it  to  a  variety  of  financial  risks,  including  the  effects  of  changes  in  fixed
maturities  and  equity  market  prices,  and  interest  rates.  The  Group’s  overall  risk  management  program
focuses  on  the  unpredictability  of  financial  markets  and  seeks  to  minimise  potential  adverse  effects  on
the financial performance of the Group.

Risk management is carried out by a designated department under policies approved by management.
The responsible department identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close co-operation with the
Group’s  operating  units.  The  management  provides  written  principles  for  overall  risk  management,  as
well  as  written  policies  covering  specific  areas,  such  as  managing  interest  rate  risk,  credit  risk,  and
liquidity risk.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market
interest  rates.  Many  of  the  Group’s  insurance  policies  offer  guaranteed  returns  to  policyholders.  These
guarantees  expose  the  Group  to  interest  rate  risk.  Interest  rate  risk  is  normally  controlled  through
matching such liabilities with suitable assets. The limited availability of matching assets and the current
regulatory  constraints  in  the  PRC  mean  that  the  Group  can  only  mitigate  interest  rate  risk  to  a  certain
extent.  If  the  regulatory  constraints  are  eased,  the  Group  expects  to  be  able  to  take  action  to  further
mitigate the risk.

Market risk

The Group’s investments include mainly securities investment funds and bonds. Among these, the prices
of listed securities investment funds and bonds are determined by market forces. The Group’s policy is
to hold an appropriately diversified investment portfolio as permitted by laws and regulations to reduce
the  risk  of  concentration  in  one  specific  industry  or  company.  The  Group  also  actively  monitors  the
market prices of the securities.

100

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

5

Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial transaction or the issuer of a financial instrument will fail
to discharge an obligation and cause another party to incur a financial loss. Credit risk is controlled by
the  application  of  credit  approvals,  limits  and  monitoring  procedures.  Where  appropriate,  the  Group
obtains collateral in the form of rights to cash, securities, property and equipment.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Group  will  not  have  access  to  sufficient  funds  to  meet  its  liabilities  as
they  become  due.  In  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Group  attempts  to  match  the  maturity  of
invested assets to the maturity of insurance liabilities.

6 Deferred policy acquisition costs

Gross
At January 1 (Group)/July 1 (Company)
Acquisition costs deferred
Amortisation charged to income
Unrealised gains on investments

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

18,411
11,818
(5,350)
285

11,182
11,240
(4,121)
110

21,599
5,839
(2,534)
260

At December 31

25,164

18,411

25,164

Ceded
At January 1 (Group)/July 1 (Company)
Acquisition costs deferred
Amortisation charged to income

(327)
(296)
327

(289)
(327)
289

(317)
(138)
159

At December 31

(296)

(327)

(296)

Net
At January 1 (Group)/July 1 (Company)
Acquisition costs deferred
Amortisation charged to income
Unrealised gains on investments

18,084
11,522
(5,023)
285

10,893
10,913
(3,832)
110

21,282
5,701
(2,375)
260

At December 31

24,868

18,084

24,868

To Serve and Protect

101

7

Reinsurance assets

Ceded unearned premiums
Claims recoverable from reinsurers
Due from reinsurance companies

Total

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

807
122
68

997

1,006
176
42

1,224

807
122
68

997

Approximately  100%  of  the  reinsurance  assets  at  balance  sheet  dates  were  reinsured  with  China
Reinsurance Company.

8

Property, plant and equipment

Group

2003

Office
equipment,
furniture
Buildings and fixtures

Investment
Total
properties
RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million

Assets
Leasehold
under
vehicles construction improvements

Motor

2002

Total
RMB million

Cost or deemed cost

At January 1

3,011

14,492

2,224

1,954

1,411

245

23,337

22,476

Additions
Disposals
Revaluation
Derecognition (see note 2(a))
Transfer upon completion

–
(11)
(181)
(2,819)
–

992
(271)
–
(4,580)
385

367
(168)
–
(559)
4

189
(184)
–
(270)
–

615
(25)
–
(511)
(389)

122
(56)
–
(158)
–

2,285
(715)
(181)
(8,897)
–

1,814
(953)
–
–
–

At December 31

Accumulated depreciation

At January 1

Charges for the year
Impairment loss
Disposals
Derecognition (see note 2(a))

At December 31

Net book value

At December 31, 2003

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

11,018

1,868

1,689

1,101

153

15,829

23,337

(2,424)

(1,115)

(1,159)

(441)
(83)
110
1,164

(305)
–
84
344

(313)
–
171
201

(1,674)

(992)

(1,100)

(55)

–
(10)
–
65

–

(127)

(4,880)

(4,129)

(85)
–
–
157

(1,144)
(93)
365
1,931

(1,323)
(7)
579
–

(55)

(3,821)

(4,880)

At December 31, 2002

3,011

12,068

1,109

9,344

876

589

795

1,101

98

12,008

1,356

118

18,457

102

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

8

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

As  at  December  31,  2003,  the  Company  was  in  the  process  of  effecting  transfer  of  title  from  CLIC  of
certain properties with net book value at that date of RMB310 million. The Company is entitled to the full
use  of  these  assets  under  the  restructuring  agreement,  even  though  the  necessary  governmental
registrations  or  approvals  have  not  been  obtained.  The  Company  is  not  aware  of  any  known  legal
impediments to effect such transfer.

The analysis of the cost or valuation at December 31, 2003 and 2002 of the above assets is as follows:

Investment
properties
RMB million

Buildings
RMB million

–
–

–

9,344
–

9,344

Investment
properties
RMB million

Buildings
RMB million

Office
equipment,
furniture
and fixtures
RMB million

876
–

876

Office
equipment,
furniture
and fixtures
RMB million

Motor
vehicles
RMB million

Assets
under

Leasehold
construction improvements
RMB million
RMB million

Total
RMB million

589
–

589

1,101
–

1,101

98
–

98

12,008
–

12,008

Motor
vehicles
RMB million

Assets
under
construction
RMB million

Leasehold
improvements
RMB million

–
3,011

12,068
–

1,109
–

3,011

12,068

1,109

795
–

795

1,356
–

1,356

118
–

118

Total
RMB million

15,446
3,011

18,457

2003:
At cost
At valuation

2002:
At cost
At valuation

The  Company  engaged  Sallmanns  (Far  East)  Limited  to  value  its  property  assets  as  at  September  30,
2003. The valuation of the property assets amounted to RMB10,956 million. The additional depreciation
that would be charged to the profit and loss account had those assets been stated at such valuation is
RMB 8 million.

To Serve and Protect

103

8

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Company

2003

Office
equipment,
furniture
and fixtures
RMB million

Buildings
RMB million

Motor
vehicles
RMB million

Assets under
Leasehold
construction improvements
RMB million

RMB million

Total
RMB million

Cost or deemed cost

At July 1,

10,855

1,615

1,631

Additions
Disposals
Transfer upon completion

124
(54)
93

268
(23)
4

122
(64)
–

934

279
(15)
(97)

126

15,161

27
–
–

820
(156)
–

At December 31,

11,018

1,864

1,689

1,101

153

15,825

Accumulated depreciation

At July 1,
Charges for the year
Disposals

(1,500)
(213)
39

(924)
(79)
11

(1,066)
(89)
55

At December 31

(1,674)

(992)

(1,100)

–
–
–

–

(32)
(23)
–

(55)

(3,522)
(404)
105

(3,821)

Net book value

At December 31

9,344

872

589

1,101

98

12,004

9

Accrued investment income

Accrued interest income

– Term deposits
– Fixed maturities
– Others

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

1,940
901
34

2,589
1,591
18

1,940
901
34

Total

2,875

4,198

2,875

104

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

10 Premiums receivables

The ageing of premiums receivable is within 2 months.

11 Other

Receivable for fund units redeemed
Due from CLIC
Deposits
Long-term deferred expenses
Advances
Inventory held by real estate subsidiaries
Foreclosed assets
Entrusted funds receivable
Others

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

4,784
742
150
32
31
–
–
–
184

–
–
103
57
1,420
240
200
1,513
54

4,784
742
150
32
31
–
–
–
177

Total

5,923

3,587

5,916

12 Benefits, claims and expenses

For the year ended December 31, 2003
Accident and health claims and claim

adjustment  expenses

Life insurance death and other benefits
Increase in future life policyholder benefits

Gross
RMB million

Ceded
RMB million

Net
RMB million

5,744
8,570
43,084

(862)
–
–

4,882
8,570
43,084

Total insurance benefits and claims

57,398

(862)

56,536

For the year ended December 31, 2002
Accident and health claims and claim

adjustment  expenses

Life insurance death and other benefits
Increase in future life policyholder benefits

Gross
RMB million

Ceded
RMB million

Net
RMB million

5,066
7,010
45,374

(1,013)
–
–

4,053
7,010
45,374

Total insurance benefits and claims

57,450

(1,013)

56,437

To Serve and Protect

105

13 Insurance reserves

Long  duration  contract  liabilities  arising  from  traditional  life  products  include,  depending  on  contract
type, policyholder account balances or the present value of future benefits less present value of valuation
premiums. Short duration contract liabilities relate to accident and health products of one year duration
or less.

The liabilities for future life policyholder benefits have been established in accordance with the provisions
of  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  60  “Accounting  and  Reporting  by  Insurance
Enterprises”.  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  standard,  the  present  value  of  estimated  future
policy benefits less the present value of estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders
are  accrued  when  premium  revenue  is  recognised.  Currently,  there  is  no  specific  standard  under  HK
GAAP  on  the  determination  of  future  policyholder  benefits.  We  have  adopted  the  US  standard  as  our
accounting policy. These estimates are based on the following assumptions:

(i)

Interest rates are based on estimates of future yields on the Company’s investments. The discount
rates  used  for  policies  issued  prior  to  2003  increase  from  3.8%  to  5.0%,  with  a  provision  for
adverse  deviation  ranging  from  0.25%  to  0.50%,  as  applicable.  In  determining  its  interest  rate
assumptions, the Company considers past investment experience, the current and future mix of its
investment portfolio and trends in yields. Based on a review of the Company’s investment performance
and the market conditions, the Company revised the discount rates for policies issued in 2003 such
that they increase from 3.65% to 5%, with a provision for adverse deviation ranging from 0.25% to
0.5%,  as  applicable.  Actual  investment  yields  in  the  years  ended  December  31,  2001,  2002  and
2003 were 4.1%, 3.8% and 3.4% respectively. Assumed interest rates in future years reflect increased
investment  in  higher  yielding  securities,  including  corporate  bonds,  longer  duration  securities  and
equity securities.

(ii) Mortality  and  morbidity  rates,  varying  by  age  of  the  insured,  and  lapse  rates,  varying  by  contract
type,  are  based  upon  expected  experience  at  date  of  contract  issue  plus,  where  applicable,  a
margin for adverse deviation. The mortality, morbidity and lapse assumptions used for 1999 through
2002  are  based  upon  the  results  of  an  analysis  of  the  Company’s  actual  mortality,  morbidity  and
lapse experience incurred in those years. This mortality, morbidity and lapse experience was found
to be comparable in those periods. Based on the findings of a subsequent study of the Company’s
experience and the Company’s knowledge of the business, the mortality assumption and the morbidity
assumption  remain  unchanged  for  policies  issued  in  2003,  but  the  lapse  assumption  for  certain
types of policies issued in 2003 has been revised.

In  setting  the  mortality  assumption,  mortality  experience  was  compared  to  and  expressed  as  a
percentage of the “CL” series of life table. These tables were compiled by the People’s Insurance
Company  of  China  in  1994  and  1995  and  issued  by  the  People’s  Bank  of  China,  the  principal
regulatory authority at the time. The tables are based on policy samples drawn from 43 subsidiaries
and mortality experience of these sample policies during the period January 1, 1990 to December
31,  1993  were  studied.  Currently  all  life  insurance  companies  in  China  are  required  to  use  these
tables for product pricing.

(iii)

The  assumption  for  policy  administration  expenses  has  been  based  on  expected  unit  costs  plus,
where  applicable,  a  margin  for  adverse  deviation.  Unit  costs  have  been  based  on  an  analysis  of
actual  experience.  The  per-policy  costs  used  for  1999  through  2002  were  estimated  to  be  2%  of
premiums plus a fixed per-policy expense. The per-policy costs used for 2003 were estimated to be
1.75% of premiums plus a fixed per-policy expense.

106

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

13 Insurance reserves (continued)

Contracts in loss recognition use best-estimate assumptions of investment returns, mortality, lapse and
policy  administration  expenses,  without  provision  for  adverse  deviation.  Mortality,  morbidity,  lapse  and
policy administration costs assumptions are the same as for policies issued since June 1999, except that
there  is  no  provision  for  adverse  deviation.  A  level  3.8%  interest  rate  comprised  the  best  estimate  of
future  investment  returns  on  this  business.  All  contracts  in  loss  recognition  were  retained  by  CLIC
pursuant to the Restructuring.

Policyholder  account  balances  for  investment-type  contracts  are  equal  to  the  policy  account  values.
Account  values  consist  of  an  accumulation  of  gross  premium  payments  less  loadings  for  expenses,
mortality  and  profit  plus  credited  interest  less  withdrawals  and  other  exits,  in  accordance  with  the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 97 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance
Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for the Realised Gains and Losses from the Sale of
Investments”.

The amount of policyholder dividends to be paid is determined annually. Policyholder dividends include
life policyholder’s share of net income and unrealised appreciation of investments that are required to be
allocated by the insurance contract or by local insurance regulations. Experience adjustments relating to
future  policyholder  benefits  and  policyholder  contract  deposits  vary  according  to  the  type  of  contract.
Investment,  mortality  and  morbidity  results  may  be  passed  through  by  experience  credits  or  as  an
adjustment to the premium mechanism, subject to local regulatory provisions.

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses were as follows:

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

At January 1
Gross reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses
Reinsurance recoverable

879
(176)

867
(174)

879
(176)

Net reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses

703

693

703

Claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred

5,744

5,066

5,744

Claims and claim adjustment expenses paid

(5,809)

(5,054)

(5,809)

At December 31
Gross reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses
Reinsurance recoverable

814
(122)

879
(176)

814
(122)

Net reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses

692

703

692

Accident and health claims are generally settled within 2 months when the claims are reported. Accordingly,
no material amount of the charge for claims incurred relates to prior years. The Group believes that the
final claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred would not differ materially from the amounts provided
at period ends.

To Serve and Protect

107

13 Insurance reserves (continued)

Claims paid and incurred, and the ratios of claims incurred to net accident and health premiums were as
follows:

Claims incurred – net
Claims incurred ratio

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

4,882
60%

4,053
60%

14 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Liabilities  are  due  within  thirty  days  from  the  balance  sheet  date.  The  carrying  values  of  fixed  maturity
securities pledged as collateral are as follows:

Fixed maturities pledged

6,448

3,600

6,448

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

15 Bank borrowings

Bank  borrowings  and  related  investment  properties  and  property,  plant  and  equipment  pledged  were
retained by CLIC as a result of the Restructuring.

Maturity Schedule

Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings – within 1 year

Total

Carrying value of investment properties, net, pledged
Net book value of property, plant and equipment pledged

Total

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

–
–

–

311
2

313

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

–
–

–

365
65

430

108

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

16 Provision

Provision  for  early  retirement  and  termination  relates  to  benefits  payable  whenever  an  employee’s
employment is terminated before the normal retirement date or whenever an employee accepts voluntary
redundancy in exchange for these benefits.

As at January 1
Additional provision
Payment for the year
Derecognition (see note 2(a))

As at December 31

17 Other liabilities

Payable to State Social Security Fund
Reserve for commission and expenses
Salary payable
Agent deposits
Staff welfare payable
Tax payable
Payable to constructors
Reinsurance liabilities
Regulatory fee payable
Others

Total

Note:

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

445
74
(59)
(460)

330
224
(109)
–

–

445

Note

(a)

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

2,472
1,071
726
486
672
375
124
–
88
877

–
1,047
667
451
561
258
336
200
108
1,088

2,472
1,071
726
486
672
375
124
–
88
865

6,891

4,716

6,879

(a)

As part of the initial public offering of China Life’s shares, CLIC also sold some of its holdings in China Life to

public investors. The proceeds from CLIC’s sale, net of listing expenses amounting to RMB 2,472 million, was

remitted to China Life and is payable to the State Social Security Fund in accordance with rules issued by the

State Council in June 2001.

18 Statutory insurance fund

According to the PRC “Financial Regulations for Insurance Companies”, insurance companies are required
to  provide  for  the  insurance  guarantee  fund  at  1%  of  the  net  premiums  of  general  insurance,  accident
insurance, short-term health insurance and reinsurance. No additional insurance guarantee fund will be
provided once it reaches 6% of total assets.

To Serve and Protect

109

19 Loss before taxation

Loss before taxation is stated after charging the following:

Staff costs

Wages and salary
Housing  benefits
Contribution to the defined contribution pension plan

Depreciation – owned property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Deficit on revaluation of investment properties
Auditors’ remuneration

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

2,879
139
122
1,144
124
181
17

2,493
90
146
1,323
91
–
–

20 Taxation

(a)

The amount of taxation charged to the consolidated profit and loss account represents:

Current taxation:

– Enterprises income tax

Deferred taxation relating to the origination and reversal of

temporary  differences

Taxation charges

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

139

1,041

1,180

14

–

14

(b)

The  reconciliation  between  the  Group’s  effective  tax  rate  and  the  statutory  tax  rate  of  33%  in  the
PRC is as follows:

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Loss before income tax expenses and minority interests

(263)

(2,234)

Tax computed at the statutory tax rate of 33%
Non taxable income
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Unrecognised deferred tax assets

(87)
(183)
628
822

(737)
(8)
1,546
(787)

Income taxes at effective tax rate

1,180

14

Non-taxable income includes mainly interest income from government bonds. Expenses not deductible
for tax purposes include mainly salary and wages expenses in excess to deductible amounts.

110

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

20 Taxation (continued)

(c)

At  December  31,  2003,  deferred  income  taxation  is  calculated  in  full  on  temporary  differences
under the liability method using a principal taxation rate of 33%.

The movement on the deferred income tax liabilities account is as follows:

At January 1
Deferred taxation charged to profit and loss account
Taxation charged to equity

At December 31

The deferred taxation charged to equity during the year is as follows:

Change in unrealised gains/losses of non-trading securities
Arising from the Restructuring

Group
2003
RMB million

–
1,041
2,645

3,686

Group
2003
RMB million

(594)
3,239

2,645

No deferred tax assets have been recognised by the Group in 2002. The unrecognised net deferred
tax assets in 2002, are analysed as follows:

Tax value of loss carried forward
Future life policyholder benefits and policyholder contract deposits and other fund
Provision for assets impairment
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Others

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

2002
RMB million

10,082
47,041
1,708
(5,945)
915

53,801

Pursuant to the Restructuring on September 30, 2003, all the unrecognised tax losses of the Group
were retained by CLIC and the Group has no unrecognised tax losses as at December 31, 2003.

To Serve and Protect

111

20 Taxation (continued)

(d)

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities (prior to offsetting of balances within the same
taxation jurisdiction) during the year is as follows:

Deferred tax liabilities

At January 1, 2003
Charged to profit and loss account
Charged to equity

Deferred policy
acquisition costs
RMB million

Others
RMB million

Total
RMB million

–
(1,097)
(7,109)

–
(248)
136

–
(1,345)
(6,973)

At December 31, 2003

(8,206)

(112)

(8,318)

Future life
policyholder
benefits and
policyholder
contract

deposit and Revaluation
surplus
other funds
RMB million
RMB million

Unearned
premium
reserve
RMB million

Unrealised
loss
RMB million

Total
RMB million

–

–

–

–

–

(6)
540

534

142
(25)

117

–
469

469

304
4,328

4,632

2003
RMB million

4,632
(8,318)

(3,686)

Deferred tax assets

At January 1, 2003
(Charged)/credited
to profit and
loss account
Charged to equity

168
3,344

At December 31, 2003

3,512

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

21 Profit attributable to shareholders

The profit attributable to shareholders is dealt with in the accounts of the Company to the extent of RMB
2,752 million.

22 Loss per share

There is no difference between basic and diluted loss per share. The basic and diluted loss per share for
the year ended December 31, 2003 is based on the weighted average number of 20,249,798,526 (2002:
20,000 million) ordinary shares in issue during the year.

For  the  purpose  of  loss  per  share  computations,  the  company’s  issuance  of  20,000  million  shares  to
CLIC is given retroactive treatment and considered outstanding for all years presented.

112

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

23 Significant related party transactions

(a) Related parties

Related  parties  are  those  parties  which  have  the  ability,  directly  or  indirectly,  to  control  the  other
party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions.
Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant
influence. The table set forth below summarizes the names of significant related parties and nature
of relationship with the company as of December 31, 2003:

Significant related party

China Life Insurance Company (“CLIC”)
China Life Assets Management Company Limited (“AMC”)
Zhongbaoxin Real Estate Development Co. Ltd

Relationship with the Company

The ultimate holding Company
A subsidiary of the Company
A  subsidiary  of  the  ultimate

holding company

(b) Transactions with CLIC and AMC

The  following  table  summarises  significant  recurring  transactions  carried  out  by  the  Group  with
CLIC and AMC for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Transaction with CLIC

Policy management fee income receivable from CLIC
Asset management fee receivable from CLIC
Property leasing expense payable to CLIC

Transaction with AMC

Asset Management fee expense paid to AMC by the Company

Note:

Note

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(ii)

2003
RMB million

953
26
169

8

(i)

As  part  of  the  restructuring,  CLIC  transferred  its  entire  branch  services  network  to  the  Company.  CLIC

and the Company have entered into a Policy Management Agreement on September 30, 2003 to engage

the  Company  to  provide  policy  administration  services  to  CLIC  relating  to  the  non-transferred  policies.

The Company, as a service provider, does not acquire any rights or assume any obligations as an insurer

under the non-transferred policies. In consideration of the services provided under the agreement, CLIC

will  pay  the  Company  a  service  fee  based  on  the  estimated  cost  of  providing  the  services,  to  which  a

profit margin is added. The service fee is equal to, for each semi-annual payment period, the sum of (1)

the number of non-transferred policies in force that were within their policy term as of the last day of the

period, multiplied by RMB 8 and (2) 2.5% of the actual premiums and deposits in respect of such policies

collected during the period.

(ii)

On November 30, 2003, CLIC and the Company separately entered into asset management agreements

with  China  Life  Insurance  Asset  Management  Company  Limited  (“AMC”),  the  Company’s  60%  owned

subsidiary. The terms of the two agreements are the same. Under the agreement, AMC agreed to invest

and  manage  assets  entrusted  to  it  by  CLIC  and  the  Company  on  a  discretionary  basis,  subject  to  the

investment guidelines and instructions given by them. In consideration of its services provided under the

agreement, the CLIC and the Company agreed to pay AMC a monthly service fee.

The monthly service fee is calculated on a monthly basis, by multiplying the average of net asset value of

the assets in each such category under management at the end of any given month and the end of the

previous month by the applicable annual rate for that month set forth in the agreement. It was determined

based on the analysis of the cost of providing the service, market practice and the size and composition

of the asset pool to be managed.

To Serve and Protect

113

23 Significant related party transactions (continued)

(b) Transactions with CLIC and AMC (continued)

If the average investment rate of return for the assets managed for a particular year exceeds the investment

rate  of  return,  as  previously  agreed,  by  at  least  ten  basis  points,  AMC  will  be  entitled  to  an  annual

performance bonus, the amount of which shall not exceed 50% of the annual service fees for that year. If

the average investment rate of return is less than the investment rate of return as agreed by at least ten

basis  points,  AMC  will  be  required  to  rebate  a  portion  of  its  fee,  the  amount  of  which  shall  not  exceed

25% of the annual service fees for that year.

Under  a  separate  agreement  signed  by  CLIC  and  the  Company  on  September  30,  2003,  the  Company

agreed to invest and manage the assets entrusted to it by CLIC for the period prior to the establishment

of  AMC  on  November  30,  2003.  Under  the  agreement,  the  scope  of  service  to  be  provided  by  the

Company and the calculation basis of the monthly service are the same as the agreement signed between

CLIC and AMC as mentioned above.

(iii)

The Company has entered into a property leasing agreement with CLIC on September 30, 2003, pursuant

to which CLIC agreed to lease to the Company some of its owned and leased buildings. The annual rent

payable by the Company to CLIC in relation to the CLIC owned properties is determined by reference to

market  rent  or,  the  costs  incurred  by  CLIC  in  holding  and  maintaining  the  properties,  plus  a  margin  of

approximately  5%.  The  annual  rent  payable  by  the  Company  to  CLIC  in  relation  to  the  CLIC  leased

properties  is  determined  by  reference  to  the  rent  payable  under  the  head  lease  plus  the  actual  costs

incurred  by  CLIC  arising  in  connection  with  the  subletting  of  the  properties.  The  Company  has  directly

paid the relevant rental expenses raised from CLIC leased properties to the third-party instead of CLIC.

(c) Amounts due from/to CLIC

The  following  table  summarises  the  resulting  balance  due  from  and  to  CLIC  and  its  subsidiaries.
The balance is non-interest leasing, unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms.

Due from CLIC
Due to CLIC
Other liabilities due to Zhongbaoxin Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.

2003
RMB million

1,668
(926)
(112)

114

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

24 Share Capital

At June 30, 2003
Issue of shares

Registered, issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of RMB1 each
RMB million

No. of shares

20,000,000,000
6,764,705,000

20,000
6,765

Note

(a)
(b)

At December 31, 2003

26,764,705,000

26,765

(a) On June 30, 2003, 20,000,000,000 shares of RMB 1 each were allotted and issued to CLIC for the

transfer of the Transferred Business from CLIC to the company (see note 1).

(b)

Pursuant to the board resolution passed on September 10, 2003, the company completed its initial
public offering as follows:

(i)

(ii)

Issued  an  aggregate  of  5,882,353,000  shares  of  RMB  1  each  including  an  offering  of
4,731,937,000  shares  at  HK$3.59  per  share  on  The  Stock  Exchange  of  Hong  Kong  Limited
(“HKSE”) (excluding the brokerage fee and HKSE transaction levy) and an offering of 28,760,400
American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”, each representing 40 shares) at US$18.68 on the New
York Stock Exchange Inc., on December 18, 2003; and

Issued  882,352,000  shares  of  RMB  1  each  at  HK$  3.625  per  share  by  way  of  a  placing
among professional and institutional investors on December 22, 2003, upon the full exercise
of an over-allotment option.

The listing proceeds of the aforementioned initial public offering of shares, net of direct listing expenses
amounted to approximately RMB 24,707 million. The resulting share premium amounted to approximately
RMB 17,942 million.

To Serve and Protect

115

25 Reserves

Additional
Paid In
Capital
RMB million

Statutory
Statutory
Unrealised
Common
Common
gain/(loss) Reserve Fund Welfare Fund
 RMB million
 RMB million
 RMB million

Total
RMB million

The Group
At January 1, 2002
Profit capitalisation
Investments transferred
from parties under
common control

Unrealised loss, net of tax

At December 31, 2002
Issue of shares
Share issue expenses
Unrealised loss, net of tax
Appropriation to

statutory  reserves

Capital contribution by CLIC

(137)
244

2,188
–

6
–

113
19,328
(1,386)
–

–
16,721

–
(871)

1,317
–
–
(2,732)

–
637

At December 31, 2003

34,776

(778)

The Company
At July 1, 2003
Issue of shares
Share issue expenses
Unrealised loss, net of tax
Appropriation to

statutory  reserves

15,755
19,328
(1,386)
–

1,778
–
–
(2,556)

–

–

At December 31, 2003

33,697

(778)

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

27
–

27

–
–
–
–

27

27

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

26
–

26

–
–
–
–

26

26

2,051
244

6
(871)

1,430
19,328
(1,386)
(2,732)

53
17,358

34,051

17,533
19,328
(1,386)
(2,556)

53

32,972

Under  Chinese  law,  dividends  may  be  paid  only  out  of  distributable  profits.  Distributable  profits  means
our after-tax profits as determined under PRC GAAP or HK GAAP, whichever is lower, less any recovery
of accumulated losses and allocations to statutory funds that we are required to make. Any distributable
profits  that  are  not  distributed  in  a  given  year  are  retained  and  available  for  distribution  in  subsequent
years. The amount of distributable retained earnings based on the above is RMB212 million.

116

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

26 Contingencies

The following is a summary of the significant contingent liabilities:

Outstanding loan guarantees
Pending lawsuits

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

–
45

443
189

–
45

(a)

(b)

CLIC  has  retained  the  obligation  as  the  guarantor  for  external  borrowing  by  certain  third  party
entities as a result of the Restructuring.

The  Group  has  been  named  in  a  number  of  lawsuits  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business.
Provision has been made for the probable losses to the Group on those claims when management
can reasonably estimate the outcome of the lawsuits taking into account legal advice. No provision
has  been  made  for  pending  lawsuits  when  the  outcome  of  the  lawsuits  cannot  be  reasonably
estimated or management believes the probability of loss is remote.

27 Commitments

(a) Capital commitments

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

239

752

239

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

(b) Operating lease commitments

The  Group  has  commitments  to  make  the  following  future  minimum  lease  payments  under  non-
cancelable operating leases:

Group

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

Company
2003
RMB million

Land and buildings

Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years

335
670
–

63
169
22

335
670
–

The operating lease payments charged to the profit and loss account for the year ended December
31, 2003 was RMB 299 million (2002: RMB 287 million).

To Serve and Protect

117

28 Investment in subsidiary

Company

Unlisted investment at cost

Name

China Life Insurance Assets
Management Co., Ltd.

Place of incorporation
and operation

Principal activities

2003
RMB million

480

Percentage
of equity
interest held

People’s Republic of China,

Asset management

60%

November 23, 2003

29 Directors’, supervisors’ and senior management’s remuneration

(a) Directors’ emoluments

The aggregate amounts of emoluments payable to directors of the Company during the year are as
follows:

Fees
Other emoluments for executive directors

– Basic salaries, housing allowances and
other allowances and benefits in kind

2003
RMB

2002
RMB

163,224

378,485

901,726

525,786

Directors’ fees disclosed above include RMB 163,224 (2002: nil) paid to independent non-executive
directors.

In addition to the directors’ emoluments disclosed above, certain directors of the Company receive
emoluments  from  CLIC,  part  of  which  is  in  respect  of  their  services  to  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries. No apportionment has been made as the directors consider that it is impracticable to
apportion this amount between their services to the Group and their services to CLIC.

No directors of the Company waived any remuneration during the year ended December 31, 2003.

The emoluments of the directors were within the following bands:

Nil – RMB1,000,000

Number of directors

2003

4

2002

2

118

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2003

29 Directors’, supervisors’ and senior management’s remuneration (continued)

(b) Five highest paid individuals

The  five  individuals  whose  emoluments  were  the  highest  in  the  Group  include  two  (2002:  two)
directors whose emoluments are reflected in the analysis presented above.

Details of remuneration of the remaining three (2002: three) highest paid individuals are as follows:

Fees
Basic salaries, housing allowances, and other allowances

2003
RMB

2002
RMB

–

168,249

and benefits in kind

1,232,513

1,025,453

The emoluments fell within the following bands:

Nil – RMB1,000,000

1,232,513

1,193,702

Number of individuals
For the year ended
December 31
2003

2002

3

3

No  emoluments  have  been  paid  by  the  Group  to  the  directors  or  any  of  the  five  highest  paid
individuals as an inducement to join or upon joining the Group or as compensation for loss of office.

30 Ultimate holding company

The directors regard China Life Insurance (Group) Company, a company incorporated in the PRC, as the
ultimate holding company.

To Serve and Protect

119

31 Subsequent events

On  January  30,  2004,  the  Audit  General  of  the  National  Audit  Office  of  China  (the  “CNAO”)  announced
that  it  had  carried  out  an  audit  of  the  financial  statements  of  CLIC,  our  predecessor.  The  CNAO  audit
decision,  dated  March  30,  2004,  which  covers  activities  up  to  2002,  found  that  (i)  there  had  been
irregular use of RMB2,368 million of insurance funds, and irregular operations involving RMB2,374 million
in the use of agents that was not in compliance with regulations and overpayment of surrender value by
some  branches  of  CLIC;  including  the  use  of  agents  not  legally  qualified  in  the  insurance  business,
changes  in  premium  rates  and  the  scope  of  coverage  without  proper  approval,  and  overpayment  of
surrender  value  and  annuity  payments  when  due;  (ii)  certain  branches  of  CLIC  had  overstated  or
understated  expenses  and  income  resulting  in  the  underpayment  of  taxes  in  the  amount  of  RMB1.26
million; (iii) certain branches of CLIC maintained “unauthorized reserves” which involved an accumulated
amount of RMB32.31 million, among which RMB11.09 million had been accumulated after 2001; and (iv)
CLIC had failed to pay taxes when due in an amount of RMB43.06 million.

CLIC  was  directed  to  pay  a  total  of  approximately  RMB67.48  million  (approximately  US$8.15  million),
including RMB9.16 million of business tax and surcharges, RMB9.97 million of income taxes, RMB37.26
million  of  other  taxes  and  RMB11.09  million  in  fines.  The  decision  requires  CLIC  to  rectify  the  irregular
use of reinsurance funds and irregular operations described in section (i) above, and to submit a report
on such rectification by May 31, 2004. The audit decision also requires CLIC make such changes to its
books  and  accounts  described  in  section  (ii)  and  (iii)  above  to  correct  accounting  entries  regarding
overstatement  and  understatement  of  expenses  and  income  addressed  in  the  report,  and  to  submit
reports on such adjustments to the CNAO. An appeal to the CNAO may be taken within 60 days of the
date of CLIC’s receipt of the audit decision. We will review the changes and adjustments made by CLIC
in response to the audit decision in order to evaluate their impact on our operations.

On or about March 16, 2004 a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern
District  of  New  York  alleging  violations  of  the  U.S.  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  by  China  Life  and
certain  of  its  officers  and  directors  in  connection  with  failure  to  fully  disclose  the  audit  review  by  the
CNAO  of  CLIC.  Three  additional  similar  complaints  have  subsequently  been  filed  against  these  same
defendants.  The  complaints  seek  to  recover  damages  on  behalf  of  a  purported  class  of  persons  who
purchased the company’s publicly traded securities between December 22, 2003 and February 3, 2004.
Each complaint seeks an award of damages in an unspecified amount, plus expert and attorneys’ fees.
As of the date hereof, none of the four complaints has yet been served and, accordingly, the Company’s
time to respond thereto has not yet begun to run. In connection with these complaints, the Company has
engaged a U.S. counsel to contest the complaints vigorously on behalf of the Company. Therefore, the
likelihood  of  an  unfavourable  outcome  is  still  uncertain.  No  provision  has  been  made  with  respect  to
these lawsuits.

32 Approval of financial information

The financial information was approved by the board of directors on April 23, 2004.

120

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Supplementary Information for ADS Holders

Reconciliation  of  HK  GAAP  and  United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
principles (“US GAAP”)

(a)

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with HK GAAP,
which  differs  in  certain  significant  respects  from  US  GAAP.  Differences  between  HK  GAAP  and  US
GAAP, which may have significant impacts on consolidated net profit/(loss) and consolidated shareholders’
equity, are described below.

The  effect  on  net  loss  of  significant  differences  between  HK  GAAP  and  US  GAAP  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2002 and 2003 are as follows:

Net loss under HK GAAP
US GAAP adjustments
Depreciation of investment properties
Deficit on revaluation of investment properties

Net loss under US GAAP

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

(1,428)

(2,250)

(40)
181

(67)
–

(1,287)

(2,317)

The  effect  on  shareholder’s  equity  of  significant  differences  between  HK  GAAP  and  US  GAAP  as  at
December 31, 2002 and 2003:

Shareholders’ equity under HK GAAP
US GAAP adjustments
Accumulated depreciation of investment properties

As at December 31,

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

62,436

(175,463)

–

(178)

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP

62,436

(175,641)

Investment Properties

Under  HK  GAAP,  investment  properties  are  valued  on  an  open  market  value  basis.  Under  US  GAAP,
investment  properties  are  stated  at  historical  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  accumulated
impairment  loss.  Cost  of  investment  properties,  less  residual  value,  is  depreciated  using  a  straight-line
method over its estimated useful life.

During 2003, there was a deficit on revaluation of investment properties totalling Rmb 181 million charged
to the consolidated profit and loss account under HK GAAP. As at September 30, 2003, all investment
properties were retained by CLIC and derecognised from the Group’s consolidated balance sheet as a
result of the Restructuring. The accumulated depreciation and revaluation deficit related to the investment
properties  were  also  retained  by  CLIC  and  no  longer  constituted  a  GAAP  difference  to  the  Company’s
shareholder’s equity.

Property, plant, and equipment

Certain  property,  plant  and  equipment  on  hand  as  of  January  1,  2000  have  been  valued  at  fair  values
rather than at historical cost less depreciation, which is required by US GAAP. The Group has not been
able to quantify the effect of the difference in accounting treatment because, prior to January 1, 1997,
the  predecessor  company  did  not  maintain  sufficiently  detailed  historical  cost  records.  The  fair  market
values recorded in the opening balance of the Group at January 1, 2000 have been carried forward as
the deemed cost.

To Serve and Protect

121

Reconciliation  of  HK  GAAP  and  United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
principles (“US GAAP”) (continued)

(b) Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income/(loss)  represents  the  cumulative  gains  and  losses  on  items
that  are  not  reflected  in  earnings.  The  balances  and  activities  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2002
and 2003 are as follows:

Changes in net unrealised gains/(losses) on investment securities:

Net unrealised losses arising during the period
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net earnings

Sub-total

Adjustments for:

Deferred policy acquisition costs
Income tax effect there of

Total other comprehensive loss

(c) Statutory Information

Statutory capital and surplus
Minimum statutory capital and surplus necessary to

satisfy  regulatory  requirement

As at December 31,

2003
RMB million

2002
RMB million

(3,457)
(154)

(234)
(747)

(3,611)

(981)

285
594

110
-

(2,732)

(871)

Year ended December 31,
2002
RMB million

2003
RMB million

50,948

(71,680)

12,906

17,453

According to Article 2003. 1 issued by the CIRC, all insurance companies have to report their statutory
capital  and  surplus  (i.e.  solvency  margin)  to  the  CIRC  at  the  end  of  each  fiscal  year.  The  solvency
adequacy  ratio  is  computed  by  dividing  the  actual  solvency  margin  by  the  minimum  solvency  margin.
CIRC will closely monitor those insurance companies with solvency adequacy ratio less than 100% and
may,  depending  on  the  individual  circumstances,  undertake  certain  regulatory  measures,  including  but
not limited to restricting the payment of dividends.

122

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Supplementary Information for ADS Holders

Reconciliation  of  HK  GAAP  and  United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
principles (“US GAAP”) (continued)

(d) Disclosures  about  investments  in  an  unrealised  loss  position  that  are  other  than

temporarily impaired

Less than
6 months
RMB million

More than
6 months but
less than 12 months
RMB million

More than
12 months
RMB million

Total
RMB million

Fixed maturity securities

Government
bonds

Fair value
Unrealised losses

Government
agency bonds

Fair value
Unrealised losses

Corporate
bonds

Equity securities

Fair value
Unrealised losses

Fair value
Unrealised losses

Total temporary
impaired securities

Fair value
Unrealised losses

24,353
1,281

20,371
451

3,392
203

895
5

49,011
1,940

2,061
115

77
5

159
5

421
2

2,718
127

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

26,414
1,396

20,448
456

3,551
208

1,316
7

51,729
2,067

Non-trading securities have generally been identified as temporarily impaired if their amortized cost as at
December 31, 2003 was greater than their fair value, resulting in an unrealised loss. Unrealised gains and
losses in respect of investments designated as trading have been included in net income and have been
excluded from the above table. Unrealised losses are largely due to interest rate fluctuations. Based on a
review  of  these  investment  holdings,  it  is  believed  that  the  contractual  terms  of  these  non-trading
securities will be met. A total 97 fixed maturity securities positions (5 equity securities positions) were in
an  unrealised  loss  position  at  December  31,  2003  of  which  92  (3  equity  securities  positions)  were  in  a
continuous loss position for less than 6 months and 5 positions for more than 6 months but less than 12
months (2 equity securities positions).

To Serve and Protect

123

Reconciliation  of  HK  GAAP  and  United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
principles (“US GAAP”) (continued)

(e) The movement on the deferred income tax balance is as follows:

At
January 1,
2003
RMB million

10,082

Deferred
 taxation charged/
(credited) to profit
and loss account
RMB million

Arising from
restructuring
RMB million

822

(10,904)

47,041
1,708
1,366

60,197
(53,801)

1,736
331
(58)

2,831
(1,640)

(45,265)
(2,039)
(657)

(58,865)
55,441

Tax value of loss carried forward
Future life policyholder benefits and
policyholder  contract  deposits
and other funds

Provision for assets impairment
Others

Less: valuation allowance

Deferred income tax assets

6,396

1,191

(3,424)

Deferred policy acquisition costs
Others

(5,945)
(451)

(2,166)
(66)

Deferred income tax liabilities

(6,396)

(2,232)

–
185

185

Net deferred income tax liabilities

–

(1,041)

(3,239)

Change
in unrealised
gains/losses
of non-trading
securities
RMB million

–

–
–
469

469
–

469

(95)
220

125

594

At
December 31,
2003
RMB million

–

3,512
–
1,120

4,632
–

4,632

(8,206)
(112)

(8,318)

(3,686)

Net deferred income tax assets of RMB 3,239 million were retained by CLIC on September 30, 2003 and
were charged to the shareholders’ equity as part of Restructuring.

124

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Supplementary Information for ADS Holders

Reconciliation  of  HK  GAAP  and  United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
principles (“US GAAP”) (continued)

(f) Recently issued accounting standards

In  January  2003,  the  FASB  issued  FASB  Interpretation  No.46  (“FIN  46”), “Consolidation  of  Variable
Interest  Entities”,  an  interpretation  of  ARB  No.  51.  FIN  46  provides  a  new  framework  for  identifying
variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities,
noncontrolling  interests  and  results  of  activities  of  VIEs  in  its  consolidated  financial  statements.  FIN  46
requires VIEs to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss
from the VIEs’ activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns, or both. FIN 46 is
effective  immediately  for  VIEs  created  after  January  31,  2003  and  is  effective  January  1,  2004  for  VIEs
created  prior  to  February  1,  2003.  The  Group  does  not  expect  that  the  adoption  of  FIN  46  will  have  a
material impact on the Group’s financial position or its result of operations.

In  July  2003,  the  Accounting  Standards  Executive  Committee  (“AcSEC”)  issued  Statement  of  Position
(“SOP”)  03-1,  “Accounting  and  Reporting  by  Insurance  Enterprises  for  Certain  Non-traditional  Long-
Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts.” The SOP provides guidance on accounting and reporting
by  insurance  enterprises  for  certain  non-traditional  long-duration  contracts  and  for  separate  accounts.
The  SOP  is  effective  for  financial  statements  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2003,  with
earlier adoption encouraged. The SOP may not be applied retroactively to prior years’ financial statements,
and  initial  application  should  be  as  of  the  beginning  of  an  entity’s  fiscal  year.  Management  does  not
expect that the adoption of SOP 03-1 will have a material impact on the Group’s financial position or its
results of operations.

Report on the Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Information

To Serve and Protect

125

PricewaterhouseCoopers
22nd Floor Prince’s Building
Central Hong Kong
Telephone (852) 2289 8888
(852) 2810 9888
Facsimile

REPORT ON THE PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TO THE DIRECTORS OF CHINA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

(Incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

We  report  on  the  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  information  (“pro  forma  consolidated  financial

information”) set out in page 127 to page 134 of this Annual Report, which has been prepared to provide

information about how the restructuring described in the introduction to pro forma consolidated financial

information might have affected the financial information presented.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility solely of the Directors of China Life Insurance Company Limited to prepare the pro

forma  consolidated  financial  information  in  accordance  with  the  basis  of  preparation  described  in  the

introduction and notes to the pro forma consolidated financial information.

It  is  our  responsibility  to  form  an  opinion  on  the  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  information  and  to

report our opinion to you. We do not accept any responsibility for any reports previously given by us on

any financial information used in the compilation of the pro forma financial information beyond that owed

to those to whom those reports were addressed by us at the dates of their issue.

Basis of opinion

We conducted our work in accordance with the Statements of Investment Circular Reporting Standards

and Bulletin 1998/8 “Reporting on pro forma financial information pursuant to the Listing Rules” issued

by the Auditing Practices Board in the United Kingdom, where applicable. Our work consisted primarily

of comparing the financial information with the source documents, considering the evidence supporting

the  adjustments  and  discussing  the  pro  forma  financial  information  with  the  Directors  of  China  Life

Insurance Company Limited.

Because the above work does not constitute an audit made in accordance with Statements of Auditing

Standards issued by the Hong Kong Society of Accountants, we do not express any audit assurance on

the pro forma consolidated financial information.

126

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Report on the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information

The  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  information  has  been  prepared  based  on  the  historical  financial

statements  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  as  set  out  in  page  71  to  page  119  of  the  Annual

Report  for  illustrative  purposes  only  and,  because  of  its  nature,  it  may  not  give  an  indicative  financial

position or results of:

(a)

China Life Insurance Company Limited and its subsidiaries had the Restructuring actually occurred

at the start of the year ended December 31, 2003;

(b)

China Life Insurance Company Limited and its subsidiaries for any future period.

Opinion

In our opinion:

(a)

the pro forma consolidated financial information has been properly compiled on the basis stated in

the introduction and notes to the pro forma financial information set out in the Annual Report;

(b)

(c)

such basis is consistent with the accounting policies of the Company; and

the adjustments are appropriate for the purposes of the pro forma consolidated financial information.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong, April 23, 2004

Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

To Serve and Protect

127

The unaudited pro forma consolidated profit and loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  H.K.  GAAP  and  gives  effect  to  the  restructuring,  as  if  it  had

occurred at the start of the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for illustrative purposes only and

does  not  necessarily  represent  what  our  consolidated  financial  results  actually  would  have  been  if  the

restructuring  had  in  fact  occurred  on  those  dates  and  is  not  necessarily  representative  of  our  financial

results  for  any  future  periods.  The  notes  to  the  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  data  contain  a  more

detailed  discussion  of  how  the  adjustments  described  above  are  presented.  The  unaudited  pro  forma

consolidated financial information should be read in connection with “Management Discussion and Analysis”

in  the  Annual  Report  and  the  historical  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes  of

China Life.

Upon the approval of the State Council and the CIRC, we were formed on June 30, 2003 in connection

with the restructuring by CLIC. The restructuring was effected through a plan of restructuring, which was

approved by the CIRC on August 21, 2003, and a restructuring agreement we entered into with CLIC on

September 30, 2003, with retroactive effect to June 30, 2003. Pursuant to PRC law and the restructuring

agreement, the transferred policies were transferred to us as of June 30, 2003; however, for accounting

purposes the restructuring is treated as having occurred on September 30, 2003.

Under  PRC  law  and  the  restructuring  agreement,  the  restructuring  was  effective  as  of  June  30,  2003,

which we refer to in this annual report as the effective date. In connection with the restructuring:

•

CLIC transferred to us (1) all long-term insurance policies (policies having a term of more than one

year from the date of issuance) issued on or after June 10, 1999, having policy terms approved by

or filed with the CIRC on of after June 10, 1999, and either (i) recorded as a long-term insurance

policy as of June 30, 2003 in a database attached to the restructuring agreement as an annex or

(ii)  having  policy  terms  for  group  supplemental  medical  insurance  (fund  type),  (2)  stand-alone

short-term policies (policies having a term of one year or less from the date of issuance) issued on

of after June 10, 1999 and (3) all riders supplemental to the policies described in clauses (1) and

(2)  above,  together  with  the  reinsurance  contracts  specified  in  an  annex  to  the  restructuring

agreement. We refer to these policies in this annual report as the “transferred policies”. All other

insurance  policies  were  retained  by  CLIC.  We  refer  to  these  policies  as  the  “non-transferred

policies”. We assumed all its obligations and liabilities of CLIC under the transferred policies. CLIC

continues  to  be  responsible  for  its  liabilities  and  obligations  under  the  non-transferred  policies

following the effective date.

•

CLIC’s assets as of June 30, 2003 were divided between China Life and CLIC in accordance with

the  restructuring  agreement  entered  into  between  CLIC  and  ourselves  in  connection  with  the

restructuring. Premiums receivable were allocated to the transferred and non-transferred policies

based  on  the  specific  policies  to  which  they  relate.  Property,  plant  and  equipment  and  other

operating assets were allocated based on the terms of the restructuring agreement. Investments in

respect  of  participating  policies  were  allocated  to  the  transferred  policies,  since  all  participating

business has been transferred. Unlisted equity securities and investment properties were allocated

to CLIC. The remaining investment assets, including term deposits, fixed maturity securities, equity

128

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

securities, repurchase agreements and cash and cash equivalents, were allocated so as to ensure

that  the  book  value  of  China  Life  as  of  June  30,  2003  was  RMB29,608  million,  as  determined

under PRC valuation regulations. This was equivalent to RMB36,182 million as determined under

H.K.  GAAP,  due  to  differences  between  PRC  GAAP  and  H.K.  GAAP.  The  proportions  of  each  of

these classes of assets allocated to CLIC and ourselves were similar.

•

CLIC agreed not to, directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries and affiliates, participate, operate

or engage in life, accident or health insurance businesses and any other business in China which

may  compete  with  our  insurance  business.  CLIC  also  undertook  (1)  to  refer  to  us  any  corporate

business  opportunity  that  falls  within  our  business  scope  and  which  may  directly  or  indirectly

compete  with  our  business  and  (2)  to  grant  us  a  right  of  first  refusal,  on  the  same  terms  and

conditions, to purchase any new business developed by CLIC.

•

•

•

•

Substantially  all  of  the  management  personnel  and  employees  who  were  employed  by  CLIC  in

connection with the transferred assets and businesses were transferred to us. Some management

and personnel remained with CLIC.

CLIC retained the trademarks used in our business, including the “China Life” name and “ball” logo

and  granted  us  and  our  branches  a  royalty-free  license  to  use  these  trademarks.  CLIC  and  its

subsidiaries  and  affiliates  will  be  entitled  to  use  these  trademarks,  but  CLIC  may  not  license  or

transfer these trademarks to other third parties.

CLIC’s contracts with its agents and other intermediaries were transferred to us.

We  entered  into  various  agreements  under  which  we  provide  policy  administration  services  to

CLIC  for  the  non-transferred  policies,  manage  CLIC’s  investment  assets  and  lease  office  space

from CLIC for our branch and field offices.

To Serve and Protect

129

Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and

Loss Accounts Data

H.K. GAAP

Revenues

Gross written premiums and policy fees

Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net written premiums and policy fees

Net change in unearned premium reserves

Net premiums earned and policy fees

Net investment income

Net realized gains/(losses) on investments

Net unrealised gains on trading securities

Other income

For the year ended December 31, 2003

Historical
RMB million

Adjustments
RMB million

Pro Forma
RMB million

Note

69,334

(1,571)

(16,409)

–

67,763

(16,409)

(547)

–

67,216

9,825

868

247

727

(16,409)

(3,035)

(269)

7

1,265

(54)

1,284

35

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(b)

(b)

(b)

(k)

(c)

(d)

52,925

(1,571)

51,354

(547)

50,807

6,790

599

254

1,992

Total revenues

78,883

(18,441)

60,442

130

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

For the year ended December 31, 2003

Historical
RMB million

Adjustments
RMB million

Pro Forma
RMB million

Note

Benefits, claims and expenses

Insurance benefits and claims

Life insurance death and other benefits

(8,570)

4,752

Accident and health claims and

claim adjustment expenses

Increase in future life policyholder benefits

Policyholder dividends and

participation in profits

Amortization of deferred policy

acquisition  costs

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses

Interest expense on bank borrowings

Interest credited to policyholder

contract  deposits

Statutory insurance levy

(4,882)

(43,084)

–

16,571

(1,207)

(5,023)

(1,294)

(6,862)

(872)

(7)

(7,260)

(85)

–

–

472

536

65

208

327

(64)

505

7

4,340

–

(e)

(e)

(f)

(e)

(g)

(k)

(i)

(h)

(j)

(k)

(k)

(e)

(3,818)

(4,882)

(26,513)

(1,207)

(5,023)

(822)

(6,326)

(367)

–

(2,920)

(85)

Total benefits, claims and expenses

(79,146)

27,183

(51,963)

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

and minority interest

Income tax expense

(263)

(1,180)

8,742

(1,402)

Profit/(loss) before minority interests

(1,443)

7,340

Minority interests

15

(15)

(40)

Net profit/(loss)

(1,428)

7,285

(l)

(k)

(m)

8,479

(2,582)

5,897

–

(40)

5,857

To Serve and Protect

131

Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and

Loss Accounts Data

H.K. GAAP

Revenues

Gross written premiums and policy fees

Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net written premiums and policy fees

Net change in unearned premium reserves

Net premiums earned and policy fees

Net investment income

Net realized gains/(losses) on investments

Net unrealised gains/(losses) on trading securities

Other income

For the year ended December 31, 2002

Historical
RMB million

Adjustments
RMB million

Note

Pro Forma
RMB million

68,769

(1,869)

(21,692)

4

66,900

(21,688)

(476)

12

66,424

8,347

266

(1,067)

338

(21,676)

(4,001)

(126)

507

1,728

(106)

1,792

42

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(b)

(b)

(b)

(k)

(c)

(d)

47,077

(1,865)

45,212

(464)

44,748

4,346

140

(560)

2,066

Total revenues

74,308

(23,568)

50,740

132

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

For the year ended December 31, 2002

Historical
RMB million

Adjustments
RMB million

Note

Pro Forma
RMB million

Benefits, claims and expenses

Insurance benefits and claims

Life insurance death and other benefits

(7,010)

4,702

Accident and health claims and

claim adjustment expenses

Increase in future life policyholder benefits

Policyholder dividends and

participation in profits

Amortisation of deferred policy

acquisition  costs

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses

Interest expense on bank borrowings

Interest credited to policyholder

contract  deposits

Statutory insurance levy

(4,053)

(45,374)

–

20,455

(641)

(3,832)

(1,661)

(6,162)

(634)

(7)

(7,095)

(73)

3

–

1,106

256

20

35

328

(127)

204

7

5,527

–

(e)

(e)

(f)

(e)

(g)

(k)

(i)

(h)

(j)

(k)

(k)

(e)

(2,308)

(4,053)

(24,919)

(638)

(3,832)

(555)

(5,906)

(430)

–

(1,568)

(73)

Total benefits, claims and expenses

(76,542)

32,260

(44,282)

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

and minority interest

Income tax expense

Profit/(loss) before minority interests

Minority interests

(2,234)

(14)

(2,248)

(2)

8,692

(1,890)

6,802

2

(30)

(l)

(k)

(m)

Net profit/(loss)

(2,250)

6,774

6,458

(1,904)

4,554

–

(30)

4,524

To Serve and Protect

133

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Data

(a)

Reflects the exclusion of amounts attributable to the non-transferred policies from the pro forma

consolidated profit and loss accounts data.

(b)

Income  from  investment  properties  and  investments  in  associates  retained  by  CLIC  in  the

restructuring  has  been  excluded  from  net  investment  income  in  the  pro  forma  profit  and  loss

accounts data. Other investment income, including interest income and dividends, realized gains

and  losses  and  unrealised  gains  and  losses  from  investments  held  for  trading  attributable  to

investments retained by CLIC in the restructuring, has also been excluded. Cash and investment

assets  were  divided  between  CLIC  and  China  Life  based  on  a  mechanism  set  forth  in  the

restructuring  agreement  entered  into  between  CLIC  and  China  Life  in  connection  with  the

restructuring.  Average  cash  and  investment  assets  retained  by  CLIC  for  the  nine  months  ended

September  30,  2003  have  been  determined  as  if  the  restructuring  had  occurred  on  January  1,

2003.  Average  cash  and  investment  assets  retained  by  CLIC  for  the  year  ended  December  31,

2002 have been determined as if the restructuring had occurred on January 1, 2002. China Life’s

pro forma owners’ equity on January 1, 2003 or 2002 was equivalent to the amount agreed to by

CLIC and China Life in the restructuring, and sufficient investments were assumed to be retained

by  CLIC  to  result  in  pro  forma  equity  of  this  amount.  The  adjustment  for  investment  income  on

these investments has been determined on the basis of the percentage of investment return on all

of CLIC’s cash and investment assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 or the year

ended  December  31,  2002  for  the  pro  forma  consolidated  profit  and  loss  accounts  data  for  the

year ended December 31, 2003 or 2002, respectively.

(c)

Reflects service fees to be paid by CLIC to China Life for the administration of the non-transferred

policies under a policy management agreement to be entered into between CLIC and China Life in

connection  with  the  restructuring.  For  each  semi-annual  period,  the  service  fee  is  equal  to  the

sum of:

(i)

the  number  of  in  force  non-transferred  policies  that  were  within  their  policy  term  as  of  the

last day of the period, multiplied by RMB 8.0, with the number of policies in force for group

insurance policies being equal to the number of individuals covered by the policies (excluding

those whose policies have lapsed or matured), plus

(ii)

2.5% of the actual premiums and deposits in respect of such policies collected during the

semi-annual period.

The adjustment for the service fees reflects the fees that would be paid under this agreement, as if

the agreement had been in effect on January 1, 2003 or 2002 for the pro forma consolidated profit

and loss accounts data for the year end December 31, 2003 or 2002, respectively.

134

China Life Insurance Company Limited Annual Report 2003

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Profit and Loss Data

(d)

Reflects asset management fees to be paid by CLIC to the asset management joint venture for the

management of investment assets retained by CLIC in the restructuring under an asset management

agreement  between  CLIC  and  the  asset  management  joint  venture  in  connection  with  the

restructuring. The adjustment for the asset management fees reflects the fees that would be paid

under this agreement, as if the agreement had been in effect on January 1, 2003 or 2002 for the

pro  forma  consolidated  profit  and  loss  accounts  data  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2003  or

2002 respectively.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Reflects the exclusion of amounts attributable to the non-transferred policies.

Reflects the increase in future policyholder benefits attributable to the non-transferred policies.

Reflects the exclusion of underwriting and acquisition costs.

Reflects  the  exclusion  of  depreciation  expense  for  the  fixed  assets  retained  by  CLIC  in  the

restructuring.

(i)

Reflects  the  exclusion  of  staff  costs  for  employees  and  management  remaining  with  CLIC  in  the

restructuring.

(j)

Reflects rental expenses to be paid by China Life to CLIC for the lease of certain fixed assets from

CLIC  under  a  property  leasing  agreement  to  be  entered  into  between  China  Life  and  CLIC  in

connection with the restructuring.

(k)

Reflects  the  exclusion  of  income  and  expenses  attributable  to  non-core  operations  retained  by

CLIC in the restructuring.

(l)

Pro forma income tax has been included in the pro forma profit and loss accounts data based on

the pro forma profit for the year. Since CLIC will retain the benefit of tax losses carried forward, the

tax  provision  does  not  reflect  any  benefit  in  respect  of  those  losses.  In  connection  with  the

restructuring, China Life has received confirmation from the Ministry of Finance and the State Tax

Bureau that certain expenses not normally deductible under current PRC tax law can be deducted

by  China  Life  in  arriving  at  its  taxable  income  for  2003.  In  the  past,  the  deductibility  of  these

expenses had no impact on its tax charge or net income because the business was loss-making.

Taxation  has  been  provided  for  on  pro  forma  income  before  tax  using  the  statutory  rate  of  33%

and  assuming  that  these  expenses  were  deductible  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002  and

2003.

(m)

Reflects  CLIC’s  minority  interests  in  the  asset  management  joint  venture  as  if  it  had  been

incorporated on January 1, 2003 or 2002 for the pro forma consolidated profit and loss accounts

data for the year end December 31, 2003 or 2002, respectively.