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China Life Insurance Company

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FY2010 Annual Report · China Life Insurance Company
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Stock Code: 2628

Annual Report 2010

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The  Company  is  a  life  insurance  company  established  in  Beijing,  China  on  30  June  2003  according  to  the  Company  Law  of  the  People’s 
Republic of China. The Company was successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai 
Stock Exchange on 17 and 18 December 2003, and 9 January 2007, respectively. The Company’s registered capital is RMB28,264,705,000.

The  Company  is  the  largest  life  insurance  company  in  China’s  life  insurance  market.  Our  distribution  network,  comprising  exclusive  agents, 
direct  sales  representatives,  and  dedicated  and  non-dedicated  agencies,  is  the  most  extensive  one  in  China.  The  Company  is  one  of  the  largest 
institutional investors in China, and through its controlling shareholding in China Life Asset Management Company Limited, the Company is 
the  largest  insurance  asset  management  company  in  China.  The  Company  also  has  controlling  shareholding  in  China  Life  Pension  Company 
Limited.

Our  products  and  services  include  individual  life  insurance,  group  life  insurance,  accident  and  health  insurance.  The  Company  is  a  leading 
provider  of  individual  and  group  life  insurance,  annuity  products  and  accident  and  health  insurance  in  China.  As  at  the  end  of  31  December 
2010, the Company had nearly 129 million individual and group life policies and annuities, and long-term health insurance policies in force. We 
also provide both individual and group accident and short-term health insurance policies and services.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Contents

1

Definitions 

Company Profile 

Financial Summary 

Chairman’s Statement 

Management Discussion and Analysis 

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders 

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees 

Corporate Governance 

Report of the Board of Directors 

Report of the Supervisory Committee 

Significant Events 

Honors and Awards 

Report of Auditor 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Embedded Value 

2

3

6

7

11

22

27

40

67

72

77

81

82

84

86

88

90

91

93

187

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

2

Defi nitions

The Company1 

China Life Insurance Company Limited and its subsidiaries

CLIC 

AMC 

China Life Insurance (Group) Company

China Life Asset Management Company Limited, 
a subsidiary of the Company

Pension Company 

China Life Pension Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Company

P&C Company 

China Life Property and Casualty Insurance Company Limited

CIRC 

CSRC 

HKSE 

SSE 

Company Law 

Securities Law  

China Insurance Regulatory Commission

China Securities Regulatory Commission

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

Shanghai Stock Exchange

Company Law of the People’s Republic of China

Securities Law of the People’s Republic of China

Articles of Association 

Articles of Association of China Life Insurance Company Limited

China 

Yuan 

for the purpose of this annual report, “China” refers to the People’s 
Republic of China, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative 
Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan region

Renminbi Yuan

1 

Except for “the Company” referred to in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Company Profi le

3

Registered Name in Chinese:

  中國人壽保險股份有限公司(「中國人壽」)

Registered Name in English:

  China Life Insurance Company Limited (“China Life”)

Legal Representative: Yang Chao

Secretary to the Board of Directors: Liu Yingqi

  Office Address: 16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China 100033
  Telephone: 86-10-63631191
  Fax: 86-10-66575112
  Email: ir@e-chinalife.com

Securities Representative: Lan Yuxi

  Office Address: 16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China 100033
  Telephone: 86-10-63631068
  Fax: 86-10-66575112
  Email: lanyuxi@e-chinalife.com

Registered Office Address:

  16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China 100033

Current Office Address:

  16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China 100033
  Telephone: 86-10-63633333
  Fax: 86-10-66575722
  Website: www.e-chinalife.com
  Email: ir@e-chinalife.com

Hong Kong Office:

  Office Address: 25th Floor, C.L.I. Building, 313 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
  Telephone: 852-29192628
  Fax: 852-29192638

Newspapers for Company’s A Share disclosure:

  China Securities Journal
  Shanghai Securities News
  Securities Times

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

4

Company Profi le

CSRC’s Nominated Website for the Company’s Annual Report Disclosure:

  www.sse.com.cn

Company’s H Share Disclosure Websites:

  The Company’s website at www.e-chinalife.com
  HKExnews website at www.hkexnews.hk

Location where the Company’s Annual Reports may be Obtained:

  12/F, China Life Plaza, 16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China

Stock Information:

A Share:

Shanghai Stock Exchange

H Share:

The Stock Exchange of 
  Hong Kong Limited

ADR:

New York Stock Exchange

Short Name: China Life

Short Name: China Life

Stock Code: LFC

Stock Code: 601628

Stock Code: 2628

H Share Registrar and Transfer Office:

  Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
  Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Depositary:

  Deutsche Bank
  60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

Domestic Legal Adviser:

  King & Wood

International Legal Advisers:

  Latham & Watkins
  Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Date of First Registeration of the Company:

  30 June 2003

Initial Registered Address of the Company:

  16 Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P.R.China 100020

Date of Change of Registration of the Company:

  21 October 2010

Current Registered Address of the Company:

  16 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.China 100033

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Company Profi le

5

Corporate Business Licence Serial Number:

  100000000037965

Tax Registration Certificate Number:

  11010271092841X

Organization Code:
  71092841-X

Auditors of the Company:
Domestic Auditor:

  PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian Certified Public Accountants Limited Company
  Address: 11/F, PricewaterhouseCoopers Center, Corporate Avenue 2, 202 Hu Bin Road, Luwan District, 

  Shanghai 200021, P.R.China

International Auditor:

  PricewaterhouseCoopers
  Address: 22/F, Prince's Building, Central, Hong Kong

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

6

Financial Summary

Major Financial Data 

2010 

2009 

Change  

2008 

2007 

2006

Under International Financial  
Reporting Standards (IFRS) 

RMB million
Under Hong Kong
Financial Reporting
Standards (HKFRS)

For the year ended 2010
Total revenues 
  Net premiums earned 
Benefits, claims and expenses 

Insurance benefits and claims 

Net profit before income tax expenses 
Net profit attributable to equity 
  holders of the Company 
Net cash inflow from operating activities 

As at 31 December 2010
Total assets 

Investment assets 

Total liabilities 
Total equity holders’ equity 

385,838 
318,088 
346,601 
279,632 
41,008 

33,626 
178,600 

339,290 
275,077 
298,249 
237,038 
41,745 

32,881 
149,700 

1,410,579 
1,336,245 
1,200,104  
208,710 

1,226,257 
1,172,145 
1,013,481 
211,072 

Per share (RMB Yuan)
Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 
Equity holders’ equity per share 
Net cash inflow from operating activities per share 

Major financial ratio
Weighted average ROE(%) 

Ratio of assets and liabilities(%) 

Gross investment yield(%) 

1.19 
7.38 
6.32 

16.02 

85.08 

5.11 

13.7% 
15.6% 
16.2% 
18.0% 
-1.8% 

300,385 
265,177 
280,370 
231,949 
19,959 

191,372 
103,713 
146,390 
76,288 
45,391 

147,311
91,750
121,706
68,420
25,605

2.3% 
19.3% 

19,137 
126,077 

38,879 
122,854 

19,956
80,352

15.0% 
14.0% 
18.4% 
-1.1% 

2.3% 
-1.1% 
19.3% 

1.16 
7.47 
5.30 

17.13 

82.65 

5.78 

decrease of 1.11 
  percentage points
increase of 2.43  
  percentage points
decrease of 0.67  
  percentage points

987,493 
937,403 
812,622 
173,947  

933,704 
850,209 
727,328 
205,500 

764,395
686,804
624,190
139,665

0.68 
6.15 
4.46 

1.38 
7.27 
4.35 

0.75
4.94
2.84

10.29 

22.53 

18.14

82.29 

77.90 

81.66

3.48 

10.24 

7.97

Note1:  Net  profit  refers  to  net  profit  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  Company,  while  equity  holders’  equity  refers  to  equity 

attributable to equity holders of the Company.

Note2:  Investment assets = Cash and cash equivalents + Securities at fair value through income + Available-for-sale securities + Held-

to-maturity securities + Term deposits + Securities purchased under agreements to resell + Loans + Statutory deposits

Note3:  Ratio of assets and liabilities = Total liabilities/Total assets

Note4:  Gross  investment  yield  =(Investment  income  +  Net  realised  gains/(losses)  on  financial  assets  +  Net  fair  value  gains/(losses) 

through  income  –  Business  tax  and  extra  charges  for  investment)/((Investment  assets  at  the  beginning  of  the  period  + 

investment assets at the end of the period)/2)

Note5:  The Company adopted IFRS in 2009, and financial results of 2008 are adjusted in accordance with IFRS.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Chairman’s Statement

7

“Actively  pursue  a  life  insurance 
development  path  with  China 
Life’s  distinct  characteristics,  and 
continue to advance with the goal of 
establishing a fi rst-class international 
life insurance company.”

Yang Chao, Chairman

In  2010,  the  Company  adhered  to  the  scientific  concept  of  development  and  the  overall  strategy  of  “accelerating 
adjustments  in  business  structure,  strengthening  basic  infrastructure,  continuously  promoting  the  transformation  of 
the  mode  of  development”.  The  Company  strived  to  turn  challenges  into  opportunities,  successfully  overcame  various 
obstacles, achieved steady growth in business and ongoing structural optimization, intensified management and internal 
control,  improved  profitability  and  continued  to  advance  with  the  goal  of  establishing  a  first-class  international  life 
insurance company.

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company’s  total  revenues  reached  RMB385,838  million,  increased  by  13.7%  from 
2009.  Net  profit  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  Company  was  RMB33,626  million,  increased  by  2.3%  from 
2009, and earnings per share (basic and diluted) were RMB1.19. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the Company’s 
total  assets  reached  RMB1,410,579  million,  increased  by  15.0%  from  2009.  The  Company’s  embedded  value  was 
RMB298,099  million,  increased  by  4.5%  from  2009.  The  Company’s  net  premiums  earned  reached  RMB318,088 
million, maintaining its leading position in the life insurance market of China.

The Board of Directors of the Company recommended the payment of a final dividend of RMB0.40 per share. This will 
come into effect after shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, 3 June 2011.

In  2010,  the  Company  was  named  in  ‘Forbes  Global  2000’,  ranking  No.  90,  named  in  ‘Global  500’  by  the  Financial 
Times,  ranking  No.  41  among  all  the  named  enterprises  and  ranking  No.  7  among  all  the  named  Chinese  enterprises, 
and  also  named  in  ‘The  Most  Profitable  100  in  Asia’  by  the  FinanceAsia,  ranking  No.  1  of  all  the  named  insurance 
companies. China Life Insurance (Group) Company, of which the Company is a core member, was named in ‘Fortune 
Global 500’, ranking No. 118.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

8

Chairman’s Statement

REVIEW OF 2010
Facing  complex  and  volatile  business  trends  and  increasingly  fierce  market  competition,  the  Company  was  persistent 
in  maintaining  development  as  its  first  priority,  closely  monitored  the  trends  in  life  insurance  market,  and,  while 
premiums  in  the  industry  increased  rapidly,  maintained  firmly  a  leading  position  in  the  market  through  strengthening 
business  development  and  accelerating  the  growth  of  regular  premium  business  through  both  the  exclusive  individual 
agent  channel  and  the  bancassurance  channel.  While  maintaining  a  steady  and  rapid  growth  in  its  business  scale,  the 
Company  achieved  significant  positive  results  in  making  business  structure  adjustment  and  the  percentage  of  renewal 
premiums continued to increase. For the Reporting Period, the Company’s net premiums earned reached RMB318,088 
million, increased by 15.6% from 2009; first-year premiums increased by 12.0% from 2009, first-year regular premiums 
increased  by  31.3%  from  2009;  renewal  premiums  increased  by  21.4%  from  2009;  the  percentage  of  first-year  regular 
premiums  in  first-year  premiums  increased  to  29.76%  in  2010  from  25.38%  in  2009;  the  percentage  of  accident 
insurance  premiums  in  short-term  insurance  premiums  increased  to  51.13%  in  2010  from  50.31%  in  2009;  and  the 
percentage  of  renewal  premiums  in  gross  written  premiums  increased  to  40.22%  in  2010  from  38.20%  in  2009.  The 
new  business  value  increased  steadily  to  RMB19,839  million,  increased  by  12.0%  from  2009.  Underwriting  quality  of 
the Company was further enhanced, with the Policy Persistency Rate (14 months and 26 months)2 reaching 93.01% and 
87.56%, respectively, and the Surrender Rate3 was 2.31%, a 0.23 percentage point decrease from 2009.

The  Company  adopted  a  proactive  and  prudent  investment  strategy,  conducted  an  in-depth  research  and  analysis 
on  market  trends,  continued  to  optimize  its  asset  portfolio,  grasped  market  opportunities,  actively  allocated  fixed-
income  investment  products  such  as  floating  negotiated  deposits,  corporate  bonds  and  subordinated  debt,  and  seized 
opportunities  at  different  stages  to  flexibly  and  actively  engage  in  equity  investments,  so  as  to  obtain  preferable 
investment  results.  As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company’s  investment  assets  reached  RMB1,336,245 
million,  increased  by  14.0%  from  2009;  the  proportion  of  debt  securities  decreased  from  49.68%  in  2009  to  45.51% 
in  2010;  the  proportion  of  equity  securities  decreased  from  15.31%  in  2009  to  14.66%  in  2010;  and  the  proportion 
of  term  deposits  increased  from  29.43%  in  2009  to  33.05%  in  2010.  For  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company’s  gross 
investment  yield  was  5.11%.  Moreover,  the  Company  also  seized  strategic  investment  opportunities  in  the  capital 
markets  through  its  involvement  in  the  strategic  placement  of  the  IPO  of  the  Agricultural  Bank  of  China  and  the 
placement  of  additional  shares  by  Guangdong  Development  Bank,  and  actively  expanded  its  alternative  investment 
channels  such  as  debt  plan  investments,  so  as  to  set  an  overall  arrangement  for  the  long-term  development  of  its 
investment business.

With  respect  to  the  Company’s  exclusive  individual  agent  channel,  the  percentage  of  medium  and  long-term  duration 
regular  premium  business  continued  to  increase  steadily,  the  duration  structure  of  the  insurance  business  became  more 
balanced, its sustainable development capability was further strengthened, and the incentive effect from system building 
on  the  development  of  exclusive  agent  sales  force  gradually  emerged.  With  respect  to  the  group  insurance  channel,  the 
Company was committed to increasing short-term insurance business market share, and intensified its efforts to expand 
the  business  from  large  accounts  and  large-scale  projects  and  effectively  boosted  the  growth  of  its  collective  annuity 
business.  With  respect  to  the  bancassurance  channel,  the  Company  focused  on  improving  the  operating  capability 
of  bancassurance  outlets,  and  has  accomplished  remarkable  progress  on  business  structure  adjustments,  resulting  in 
further  solidification  of  the  Company’s  market  leading  position.  As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company 
had  approximately  706,000  exclusive  agents  and  14,200  direct  sales  representatives.  The  number  of  intermediary 
bancassurance outlets reached 97,000, with 44,000 sales representatives in total.

2 

3 

The Persistency Rate for long-term individual policy is an important operating performance indicator for life insurance companies. It measures the 
ratio of in-force policies in a pool of policies after a certain period of time. It refers to the proportion of policies that are still effective during the 
designated month in the pool of policies whose issue date was 14 or 26 months ago.
The Surrender Rate = current surrender payment/(reserve of life insurance and long-term health insurance at the beginning of the period + current 
premium of life insurance and long-term health insurance).

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Chairman’s Statement

9

The  Company  proactively  accelerated  the  systematic  integration  of  its  core  business,  provided  quality  basic  services  for 

policyholders,  and  established  a  company-wide  rapid  response  system  to  handle  major  claims  and  to  promptly  fulfill 

its  obligations  under  policy  contracts.  The  Company  also  fully  implemented  uniform  customer  service  standards, 

streamlined the customer notification service and strengthened customer relations management. The call answer rate of 

the  Company’s  customer  service  line  95519  reached  93.2%,  and  the  success  rate  of  the  return-visit  call  on  new  policy 

through the exclusive individual agent channel improved to 87.7%. In addition, the Company moved forwards with the 

construction of its research center in Beijing and data center in Shanghai, to further centralize data management nation-

wide. The Company’s website was named the “Best Website for Information Disclosure for a Listed Company”.

The Company continued to enhance the construction of its risk management and internal control system, unified its risk 

control standards and procedures, continued to comply with Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act, integrated risk 

control measures into day-to-day operation with IT support, initiated credit-ranking management of its sales agents and 

improved  its  sales  risk  monitoring  system.  The  routine  audit  conducted  by  the  National  Audit  Office  of  the  PRC  was 

concluded  smoothly,  and  the  follow-up  rectification  work  of  the  Company  achieved  effective  progress.  The  Company 

comprehensively  completed  the  strategic  development  of  audit  centers  in  six  large  regions  (including  Beijing)  and 

carried  out  audits  on  economic  liabilities  and  executions,  special  audits  on  operation  compliance  and  supervision  over 

effectiveness.  The  Company  also  comprehensively  inspected  weaknesses  and  material  risks  in  its  internal  control,  and 

established a relatively complete internal control and risk management system.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
To fully mobilize the functions of the Company’s specialized board committees and to strengthen the management over 

the  utilization  of  insurance  funds,  the  Board  of  Directors  set  up  a  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  on 

the  basis  of  its  Strategy  Committee  in  accordance  with  relevant  regulatory  rules  by  CIRC,  which  further  enhanced  the 

Board’s ability to make scientific decisions. Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh joined the third session of the Board to serve as 

an independent director of the Company, providing professional advices and bringing valuable experiences to the Board’s 

strategic planning and risk management and control matters.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The  Company  expanded  the  geographical  coverage  of  its  micro-insurance  products  to  rural  areas  of  24  provinces  and 

municipalities,  and  the  total  number  of  people  covered  by  these  products  in  2010  has  reached  13.8  million.  The  new 

rural  pension  insurance  business  achieved  breakthroughs  and  the  mode  of  new  rural  pension  insurance  was  widely 

praised.  The  New  Village  Cooperative  Medical  Insurance  Scheme  covered  16  provinces  and  municipalities.  The  Basic 

Medical Insurance Program for Urban and Township Residents has been expanded to 10 provinces and municipalities, 

covering  altogether  more  than  27  million  residents.  The  Company  donated  more  than  RMB2  million  to  provinces 

including  Jiangxi,  Fujian,  Jilin,  Shaanxi  and  Hainan  in  flood  relief.  Through  China  Life  Foundation,  the  Company 

donated  RMB11  million  to  earthquake-stricken  regions  in  Yushu,  Qinghai  Province,  donated  RMB1  million  to 

mudslide-stricken regions in Zhouqu, Gansu Province, undertook to provide support for 459 orphans from Yushu and 

Zhouqu, donated RMB2 million to Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province for drought relief, successfully sponsored a 

variety of activities such as a photo exhibition for earthquake orphans from Wenchuan and China Life Summer Camp, 

and  donated  RMB1  million  to  China  Female  Health  Care  Fund,  all  of  which  received  high  commendations  from  the 

public.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

10

Chairman’s Statement

OUTLOOK
In 2011, the domestic insurance industry will continue to maintain a positive growth momentum. The implementation 

of  “No.  2  Interpretation  of  Accounting  Standard  for  Business  Enterprises”  will  help  the  industry  to  expedite 

the  transformation  of  its  mode  of  development  and  will  enhance  its  sustainable  development  capabilities.  The 

implementation of new bancassurance regulatory rules will further enforce sales standards and decrease misrepresentation 

in sales practices, which will contribute to the long-term healthy development of the bancassurance market. The interest 

rate  rise  may  help  increase  the  Company’s  investment  yield.  Nevertheless,  with  the  strengthening  of  macro-control, 

heightened inflation and intensified market competition, business development and asset management of the Company 

will be affected to a certain extent.

In  2011,  the  Company  will  continue  to  implement  its  proactive  competition  strategy,  accelerate  the  growth  of  its 

medium  and  long-term  duration  regular  premium  business,  and  keep  optimizing  its  business  structure.  Furthermore, 

the  Company  will  strive  to  solidify  its  market  leading  position,  strengthen  basic  infrastructure  to  establish  a  standard 

management mode based on systems and procedures, and step up on innovation of new products, new sales channels and 

new services to establish a customer-oriented sales and service mode. The Company will actively seize upon investment 

opportunities  to  optimize  asset  allocation  and  make  appropriate  adjustments  to  its  investment  portfolios  from  time  to 

time  in  the  strive  for  the  increase  of  its  investment  income.  The  Company  will  also  strengthen  risk  management  and 

control, and strictly comply with relevant rules and regulations in its active advancement on the development path of life 

insurance with China Life’s distinct characteristics.

Looking  back,  the  development  of  the  Company  is  similar  to  rowing  upstream-one  may  fall  behind  by  not  moving 

forward or not moving fast enough. Only through active and rapid development was the Company able to maintain its 

standing and advance forward. Looking forward, as development opportunities do not last long and time is of the essence 

in  grasping  such  opportunities,  only  with  its  persistent  endeavours  can  the  Company  proceed  smoothly  on  the  path  of 

life  insurance  sown  with  love,  and  achieve  harmony  and  mutual  promotion  of  customer  interests,  shareholder  value, 

employee growth and corporate development.

By Order of the Board
Yang Chao
Chairman

Beijing, China
22 March 2011

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

11

From left to right:
Mr. Xu Hengping, Mr. Miao Ping,
Mr. Zhou Ying, Ms. Liu Yingqi,
Mr. Wan Feng, Mr. Lin Dairen,
Mr. Liu Jiade, Mr. Su Hengxuan,
Ms. Hwei-Chung Shao

I 

ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ITEMS OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

1.  Total Revenues

For the year ended 31 December 

Net premiums earned 

Individual life insurance business 

  Group life insurance business 
  Short-term insurance business 
Investment income 
Net realized gains on financial assets  
Net fair value gains through income  
Other income 

2010 

318,088 
302,753 
468 
14,867 
48,872  
15,841  
280 
 2,757  

RMB million
2009

275,077
 261,694
 189
 13,194
 38,890
 21,244
 1,449
 2,630

Total 

385,838 

 339,290

Net Premiums Earned

1 

Individual Life Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  net  premiums  earned  from  individual  life  insurance  business  increased 
by  15.7%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  the  increase  in  first-year  regular  premiums  and 
renewal premiums.

 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

12

Management Discussion and Analysis

2 

3 

Group Life Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  net  premiums  earned  from  group  life  insurance  business  increased  by 
147.6% from 2009. This was primarily due to a considerable increase in premiums from group term 
life insurance products and whole life insurance products.

Short-term Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  net  premiums  earned  from  short-term  insurance  business  increased  by 
12.7% from 2009. This was primarily due to our increased efforts on the development for short-term 
accident insurance business.

Individual Life Insurance Business 
  First-year business  

  Single 
  First-year regular 

  Renewal business 
Group Life Insurance Business 
  First-year business  

  Single 
  First-year regular 

  Renewal business 
Short-term Insurance Business 
  Short-term accident insurance business 
  Short-term health insurance business 

RMB million
Gross written premiums
2009
2010 

302,781 
174,808 
122,659 
52,149 
127,973 
473 
469 
459 
10 
4 
14,975 
7,657 
7,318 

261,715
156,293
116,586
39,707
105,422
190
183
178
5
7
14,065
7,076
6,989

Total 

318,229 

275,970

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

13

Investment Income

For the year ended 31 December 

Investment income from securities at fair value through income  
Investment income from available-for-sale securities  
Investment income from held-to-maturity securities 
Investment income from term deposits 
Investment income from loans 
Other investment income 

2010 

126  
20,173  
10,538  
16,363  
1,583  
89  

RMB million
2009

335
16,688
9,882
10,805
1,172
8

Total 

 48,872 

38,890

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Investment Income from Securities at Fair Value through Income
During  the  Reporting  Period,  investment  income  from  securities  at  fair  value  through  income 
decreased  by  62.4%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  interest  income  from  debt 
securities at fair value through income.

Investment Income from Available-for-Sale Securities
During the Reporting Period, investment income from available-for-sale securities increased by 20.9% 
from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  dividends  from  available-for-sale  funds  and  an 
increase in interest income from available-for-sale debt securities.

Investment Income from Held-to-Maturity Securities
During the Reporting Period, investment income from held-to-maturity securities increased by 6.6% 
from 2009. This was primarily due to the increased volume of investment in debt securities.

Investment Income from Term Deposits
During the Reporting Period, investment income from term deposits increased by 51.4% from 2009. 
This  was  primarily  due  to  the  increased  volume  of  deposits  and  an  increase  in  the  floating  interest 
rates of deposits.

Investment Income from Loans
During the Reporting Period, investment income from loans increased by 35.1% from 2009. This was 
primarily due to the increased volume of policy loans business.

Net Realized Gains on Financial Assets
During the Reporting Period, net realized gains on financial assets decreased by 25.4% from 2009. This was 
primarily due to a decrease in income from the buy-sale price differential in the trading of available-for-sale 
debt securities and stocks resulting from the fluctuation in the capital markets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

14

Management Discussion and Analysis

Net Fair Value Gains Through Income
During the Reporting Period, net fair value gains through income decreased by 80.7% from 2009. This was 
primarily due to a decrease in unrealized profit from stocks and funds at fair value through income resulting 
from the fluctuation in the capital markets.

Other Income
During  the  Reporting  Period,  other  income  increased  by  4.8%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an 
increase in income from asset management fees of the AMC.

(2)  Benefits, Claims and Expenses

For the year ended 31 December 

Insurance benefits and claims

Individual life insurance business 

  Group life insurance business 
  Short-term insurance business 
Investment contract benefits 
Policyholder dividends resulting from participation in profits 
Underwriting and policy acquisition costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Statutory insurance fund contribution 

2010 

RMB million
2009

270,341 
551 
8,740 
1,950 
13,224 
27,256 
20,285 
3,655 
599 

228,968
262
7,808
2,142
14,487
22,936
18,719
2,390
537

Total 

346,601 

298,249

Insurance Benefits and Claims

1 

2 

3 

Individual Life Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  insurance  benefits  and  claims  attributable  to  individual  life  insurance 
business increased by 18.1% from 2009. This was primarily due to an increase in business volume and 
the accumulation of insurance liabilities.

Group Life Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  insurance  benefits  and  claims  attributable  to  group  life  insurance 
business  increased  by  110.3%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  claims  payments 
resulting from an increase in the volume of one-year term insurance products.

Short-term Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  insurance  benefits  and  claims  attributable  to  short-term  insurance 
business increased by 11.9% from 2009. This was primarily due to an increase in business volume.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

15

Investment Contract Benefits
During  the  Reporting  Period,  investment  contract  benefits  decreased  by  9.0%  from  2009.  This  was 
primarily due to a decrease in investment yield resulting from the fluctuation in the capital markets.

Policyholder Dividends Resulting from Participation in Profits
During  the  Reporting  Period,  policyholder  dividends  resulting  from  participation  in  profits  decreased  by 
8.7% from 2009. This was primarily due to a decrease in investment yield for participating products.

Underwriting and Policy Acquisition Costs
During the Reporting Period, underwriting and policy acquisition costs increased by 18.8% from 2009. This 
was primarily due to business development and adjustment of business structure.

Administrative Expenses
During the Reporting Period, administrative expenses increased by 8.4% from 2009. This was primarily due 
to business development.

Other Operating Expenses
During the Reporting Period, other operating expenses increased by 52.9% from 2009. This was primarily 
due  to  an  increase  in  foreign  exchange  losses,  interest  payment  for  accumulated  dividends  and  interest 
payment for securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

(3)  Profit Before Income Tax

For the year ended 31 December 

Individual life insurance business 
Group life insurance business 
Short-term insurance business 
Other business 

2010 

37,690 
740 
385 
2,193 

RMB million
2009

39,769
467
420
1,089

41,008 

41,745

Total 

1 

2 

3 

Individual Life Insurance Business
During the Reporting Period, profit before income tax of the Company in the individual life insurance 
business decreased by 5.2% from 2009. This was primarily due to an increase in underwriting cost.

Group Life Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  profit  before  income  tax  of  the  Company  in  the  group  life  insurance 
business  increased  by  58.5%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  favorable  adjustment  of  group 
insurance business structure.

Short-term Insurance Business
During  the  Reporting  Period,  profit  before  income  tax  of  the  Company  in  the  short-term  insurance 
business decreased by 8.3% from 2009. This was primarily due to increased market competition and 
an increase in claims payments.

 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

16

Management Discussion and Analysis

(4)  Income Tax

During the Reporting Period, income tax of the Company was RMB7,197 million, a 17.4% decrease from 
2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  non-taxable  income.  Our  effective  tax  rate  for  2010  was 
17.55%.

(5)  Net Profit

During  the  Reporting  Period,  net  profit  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  Company  was  RMB33,626 
million, a 2.3% increase from 2009. This was primarily due to the Company’s steady business development, 
optimization of its business structure and appropriate allocation of its investment assets.

II  ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ITEMS OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 

POSITION

(1)  Major Assets

Investment assets 
  Term deposits 
  Held-to-maturity securities 
  Available-for-sale securities 
  Securities at fair value through income  
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Loans 
  Statutory deposits-restricted 
Other assets 

As at 31 
December 2010 

RMB million
As at 31 
December 2009

 1,336,245  
 441,585  
 246,227  
 548,121  
 9,762  
 47,854  
 36,543  
 6,153  
 74,334  

1,172,145
344,983
235,099
517,499
9,133
36,197
23,081
6,153
54,112

Total 

 1,410,579  

1,226,257

Term Deposits
As at the end of the Reporting Period, term deposits increased by 28.0% from 2009. This was primarily due 
to our increased efforts for investment in negotiated deposits with floating interest rates.

Held-to-Maturity Securities
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  held-to-maturity  securities  increased  by  4.7%  from  2009.  This  was 
primarily due to an increase in the volume of held-to-maturity debt securities.

Available-for-Sale Securities
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  available-for-sale  securities  increased  by  5.9%  from  2009.  This  was 
primarily due to an increase in the volume of available-for-sale funds and debt securities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

17

Securities at Fair Value Through Income
As at the end of the Reporting Period, securities at fair value through income increased by 6.9% from 2009. 
This was primarily due to the increased volume of debt securities at fair value through income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
As at the end of the Reporting Period, cash and cash equivalents increased by 32.2% from 2009. This was 
primarily due to the investment assets allocation and liquidity management demand.

Loans
As at the end of the Reporting Period, loans increased by 58.3% from 2009. This was primarily due to an 
increase in the demand of policy loans.

As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  our  investment  assets  are  categorized  as  below  in  terms  of  asset 
classes:

Cash and cash equivalents 
Term deposits 
Bonds 
Funds 
Common stocks 
Other investment form 

As at 31 December 2010 

As at 31 December 2009

Amount 

Percentage 

Amount 

Percentage

RMB million

47,854  
441,585  
608,192  
96,329  
99,580  
42,705  

3.58% 
33.05% 
45.51% 
7.21% 
7.45% 
3.20% 

36,197  
344,983  
582,315  
76,367  
103,038  
29,245  

3.09%
29.43%
49.68%
6.52%
8.79%
2.49%

Total 

1,336,245  

100% 

1,172,145  

100%

(2)  Major Liabilities

Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Policyholder dividends payable 
Annuity and other insurance balances payable 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other liabilities 

As at 31 
December 2010 

RMB million
As at 31 
December 2009

 1,018,135  
 70,171  
 23,065  
 52,828  
 8,275  
 11,776  
 15,854  

818,164
67,326
33,553
54,587
5,721
16,361
17,769

Total 

 1,200,104  

1,013,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

18

Management Discussion and Analysis

Insurance Contracts
As at the end of the Reporting Period, liabilities of insurance contracts increased by 24.4% from 2009. This 
was primarily due to an increase in insurance business volume and the accumulation of insurance liabilities. 
As  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  the  Company’s  reserves  for  insurance  contracts  satisfied  liability  adequacy 
testing.

Investment Contracts
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  account  balance  of  investment  contracts  increased  by  4.2%  from 
2009. This was primarily due to an increase in business volume.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  decreased  by  31.3% 
from 2009. This was primarily due to the liquidity management demand.

Policyholder Dividends Payable
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  policyholder  dividends  payable  decreased  by  3.2%  from  2009. 
This  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  unrealized  profit  of  available-for-sale  securities  and  the  Company’s 
payment for policy dividends.

Annuity and Other Insurance Balances Payable
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  annuity  and  other  insurance  balances  payable  increased  by  44.6% 
from 2009. This was primarily due to the accumulation of insurance liabilities.

Deferred Tax Liabilities
As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  deferred  tax  liabilities  decreased  by  28.0%  from  2009.  This  was 
primarily due to a decrease in unrealized profit of available-for-sale securities.

(3)  Equity Holders’ Equity

As at the end of the Reporting Period, equity holders’ equity was RMB208,710 million, decreased by 1.1% 
from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  of  the  fair  value  of  available-for-sale  securities  resulting 
from the fluctuation in the capital markets and distribution of dividends to equity holders last year.

III  ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOW

(1)  Liquidity Sources

Our  principal  cash  inflows  come  from  insurance  premiums,  deposits  from  investment  contracts,  proceeds 
from  sales  and  maturity  of  financial  assets,  and  investment  income.  The  primary  liquidity  concerns  with 
respect to these cash inflows are the risk of early withdrawals by contract holders and policyholders, 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 investment portfolio. 
As at the end of the Reporting Period, the amount of cash and cash equivalents was RMB 47,854 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 at the end of the Reporting Period, the amount of term deposits was RMB 
441,585 million.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

19

Our  investment  portfolio  also  provides  us  with  a  source  of  liquidity  to  meet  unexpected  cash  outflows.  As 
at the end of the Reporting Period, investments in debt securities had a fair value of RMB 606,269 million, 
while  investments  in  equity  securities  had  a  fair  value  of  RMB195,918  million.  We  are  also  subject  to 
market  liquidity  risk  due  to  the  large  size  of  our  investments  in  some  of  the  markets  in  which  we  invest. 
From time to time, some of our holdings of investment 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.

(2)  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 equity holders. Cash outflows arising from our insurance activities primarily relate to benefit 
payments under these insurance products, as well as payments for policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans.

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

(3)  Consolidated Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 
Net cash outflow from investing activities 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities 
Foreign currency losses on cash and cash equivalents 

2010 

178,600 
(135,937) 
(30,681) 
(325) 

RMB million
2009

149,700
(163,751)
16,167
(4)

Net increase of cash and cash equivalents 

11,657 

2,112

We  have  established  a  cash  flow  testing  system,  and  conduct  regular  tests  to  monitor  the  cash  inflows  and 
outflows under various changing circumstances and adjust accordingly the asset portfolio to ensure sufficient 
sources  of  liquidity.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  net  cash  inflow  from  operating  activities  increased  by 
19.3%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  of  written  premiums  and  a  decrease  of  claims 
payments.  Net  cash  outflow  from  investment  activities  decreased  by  17.0%  from  2009.  This  was  primarily 
due  to  the  demand  of  investment  management.  The  change  of  net  cash  (outflow)/inflow  from  financing 
activities  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  distributions  of  cash  dividends  last  year  and  the  demand  of 
liquidity management.

 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

20

Management Discussion and Analysis

IV  SOLVENCY RATIO

The solvency ratio of an insurance company is a measure of capital adequacy, which is calculated by dividing the 
actual  capital  of  the  company  (which  is  its  admissible  assets  less  admissible  liabilities,  determined  in  accordance 
with relevant rules) by the minimum capital it is required to meet. The following table shows our solvency ratio as 
of 31 December 2010:

Actual capital 
Minimum capital 
Solvency ratio 

As at 31 
December 2010 

RMB million
As at 31 
December 2009

123,769 
58,385 
211.99% 

147,119 
48,459 
303.59%

The  decrease  of  our  solvency  ratio  was  primarily  due  to  business  development  of  the  Company,  dividends 
distribution to equity holders last year and the fluctuation in the capital markets.

V  BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES DURING THE 

REPORTING PERIOD

Name

Business Scope

China Life Asset 
Management Company 
Limited

China Life Pension 
Company Limited

Management and utilization of owned capital and 
insurance  funds;  entrusted  capital  management; 
consulting business relevant to the assets management 
business;  other  assets  management  business 
permitted by applicable PRC laws and regulations

Group  and  individual  pension  insurance  and 
annuity;  short-term  health  insurance;  accident 
insurance;  reinsurance  of  the  above  insurance 
business;  business  for  the  use  of  insurance  funds 
that  are  permitted  by  applicable  PRC  laws  and 
regulations; other business permitted by CIRC

China Life Property and 
Casualty Insurance 
Company Limited

Property  loss  insurance;  liability  insurance;  credit 
insurance  and  bond  insurance;  short-term  health 
and  accident  insurance;  reinsurance  of  the  above 
insurance business

Registered 
Capital

Shareholding

Total 
Assets

RMB million
Net 
Profit

Net 
Assets

3,000

60%

4,650

3,942

493

2,500

87.4% is held by 
us, and 4.8% is 
held by AMC

2,257

2,082

(194)

4,000

40%

15,106

2,932

613

 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Management Discussion and Analysis

21

VI  FUTURE PROSPECT AND RISK ANALYSIS

In  2011,  under  the  Company’s  guidelines  of  “transforming  the  development  mode,  accelerating  business 
development,  deeping  reform,  strengthening  the  groundwork  and  operating  in  compliance  with  regulations”,  the 
Company  actively  pursued  a  life  insurance  development  path  with  China  Life  characteristics,  strived  to  develop 
soundly and rapidly, and laid a solid foundation for the Company to realize its objectives under the “Twelfth Five-
Year Plan”. The major risk factors which may have an impact on the Company’s future development strategy and 
business objectives include:

1.  Macro economic policy risks

The  new  round  of  quantitative  easy  monetary  policy  of  the  U.S.  will  release  a  large  quantity  of  liquidity 
worldwide.  As  a  result,  China  may  face  a  lot  of  pressure  in  a  variety  of  aspects  such  as  exports,  exchange 
rate  and  inflation,  etc,  and  encounter  more  risks  and  difficulties  in  macro  economic  control.  In  2011,  the 
monetary policy of China will turn from “moderately relaxed” to “moderate”, and the macro control policy 
will be more focused, flexible and effective. Therefore, it is possible that adjustment to the macro economic 
policy will be intensified as the economic environment evolves. Changes in financial and monetary policies 
may have considerable impact on the financial market, which may in turn affect business development and 
assets management of the Company.

2.  Business development risks

In 2011, with ongoing adjustments, the world economy will continue to rebound. However, the basis of the 
rebound  is  still  weak  and  unstable  and  uncertain  factors  may  hold  back  the  rebound.  Although  China  has 
taken the lead in economic recovery and its economy gradually returns to normal growth, it becomes more 
difficult,  to  a  certain  extent,  for  the  Company  to  further  adjust  and  optimize  its  business  structure  while 
preserving  business  growth  at  a  steady  rate  because  of  concerns  of  inflation,  asset  bubbles  and  unbalanced 
economic  structure.  As  other  insurance  companies  keep  expanding  their  business,  if  the  industry  moves 
along  at  a  relatively  quick  pace,  the  Company  may  have  to  appropriately  accelerate  its  business  growth  in 
order to maintain its advantageous market position. This may affect certain business structure optimization 
goals and the improvement of profit levels.

3. 

Investment risks
Because  of  the  complexity  and  uncertainty  of  both  the  domestic  and  international  economic  environment, 
capital  markets  may  experience  more  fluctuations  and  volatility,  which  will  make  the  investment  of 
insurance  assets  more  difficult.  As  such,  the  investment  proceeds  and  book  value  of  assets  of  the  Company 
may be affected. As China gradually expands the investment channels of insurance funds, the Company may 
invest some of its insurance funds through these new investment channels or utilize new investment vehicles, 
which  may  have  certain  impact  on  the  Company’s  investment  income  and  book  value  of  assets.  Moreover, 
some  of  the  Company’s  assets  are  held  in  foreign  currencies.  The  value  of  the  Company’s  foreign  currency 
denominated assets may be adversely affected by exchange rate movements.

In  2011,  the  Company  will  further  transform  its  mode  of  development,  expedite  its  business  development  and 
focus on the improvement of market competitiveness in urban areas. The Company plans to increase its premium 
income  in  2011  by  more  than  10%.  However,  given  the  above-mentioned  risk  factors,  the  Company’s  business 
development  faces  a  complex  external  operating  environment.  In  addition,  since  competition  in  the  insurance 
industry  has  intensified,  the  Company  will  need  to  properly  adjust  its  business  development  objectives  in 
accordance with market trends in a timely manner, such that it can efficiently respond to challenges from market 
competitors and maintain its leading market position. Meanwhile, the Company will optimize resource allocation, 
intensify  control  on  its  costs,  and  devote  more  effort  into  team  building  and  significant  business  sectors,  thereby 
improving the Company’s profitability and sustainable development capability. The Company expects that it will 
have  sufficient  capital  for  2011  to  meet  its  insurance  business  expenditures  and  general  new  investment  needs. 
The  Company  will  make  corresponding  arrangements  in  accordance  with  market  conditions  to  facilitate  the 
implementation of its development strategy.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

22

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders

(1)  CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL

During  the  Reporting  Period,  there  was  no  change  in  the  total  number  of  shares  and  the  share  capital  of  the 
Company.

The lock-up of 19,323,530,000 shares (A share) held by CLIC, the controlling shareholder of the Company, has 
expired on 11 January 2010. The changes in shares with selling restrictions are set out below:

Number of shares 
subject to selling 
restrictions at the 
beginning of the 
Reporting Period

Number of shares 
released from 
selling restrictions 
in the Reporting 
Period

Number of 
additional shares 
subject to selling 
restrictions in the 
Reporting Period

Number of shares 
subject to selling 
restrictions at 
the end of the 
Reporting Period

Unit: Shares

Reason for 
selling restrictions

Date of release of 
selling restrictions

Name of shareholder

China Life 
Insurance (Group) 
Company

19,323,530,000

19,323,530,000

Total

19,323,530,000

19,323,530,000

–

–

–

–

11 January 2010

The controlling shareholder had agreed to a 
lock-up period of 36 months from 9 January 
2007, the date of listing of the Company’s A 
shares on the SSE

/

/

(2)  ISSUE AND LISTING OF SECURITIES

As at the end of the Reporting Period, the Company had not issued any securities in the last three years. During 
the Reporting Period, there was no change in the total number of shares and the share structure of the Company 
due to bonus issues or placings, nor were there any internal employees’ shares.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders

23

(3)  INFORMATION ON SHAREHOLDERS AND EFFECTIVE CONTROLLERS

1.  Number of shareholders and their shareholding

Total number of shareholders at the end of the Reporting Period

Particulars of top ten shareholders of the Company

Unit: Shares

No. of A shareholders: 255,842
No. of H shareholders: 36,354

Name of shareholder

China Life Insurance (Group) 
Company

Nature of 
shareholder

State-owned corporate 
shareholder

HKSCC Nominees Limited Note 1

Foreign shareholder

State Development & 
Investment Corporation Note 2

China National Investment & 
Guaranty Co., Ltd Note 2

Agriculture Bank of China-China Post Core 
Growth Stock Securities Investment Fund

Other

Other

Other

UBS AG

Foreign Corporation

China Pacific Life Insurance Co., Ltd.-
Tradition-Ordinary Insurance Products

Guotai Jun’an-China Construction 
Bank-The Hongkong and Shanghai 
Banking Corporation Limited

China National Nuclear Corporation Note 2

IFC-Standard Chartered-GOVERNMENT 
OF SINGAPORE INVESTMENT 
CORPORATION PTE LTD

Other

Other

Other

Other

Percentage of 
shareholding

Total number 
of shares held

Increase/decrease 
during the 
Reporting Period

Number of shares 
subject to selling 
restrictions

Number of 
pledged or 
lock-up shares

68.37%

19,323,530,000

–

25.66%

0.18%

7,252,985,276

-19,476,964

49,800,000

–

0.10%

29,200,000

-250,014

0.09%

26,620,600

18,166,778

0.09%

0.07%

24,304,345

20,332,882

6,970,956

-4,200,000

0.07%

20,069,517

13,838,960

0.07%

0.07%

20,000,000

19,135,945

–

3,009,206

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Details of shareholders

Note 1: 

HKSCC Nominees Limited is a company that holds shares on behalf of the clients of the Hong Kong stock brokers and other participants of the 

CCASS system. The relevant regulations of the HKSE does not required such persons to declare whether their shareholdings are pledged or frozen. 

Hence, HKSCC Nominees Limited is unable to calculate or provide the number of shares that are pledged or frozen.

Note 2: 

The State Development & Investment Corporation, China National Investment & Guaranty Co., Ltd. and China National Nuclear Corporation 

have become the top 10 shareholders of the Company through the strategic placement during the initial public offering of A shares of the Company 

in December 2006. The trading restriction period of the shares from the strategic placement was from 9 January 2007 to 9 January 2008.

Note 3: 

The  Company  was  not  aware  of  any  connected  relationship  and  concerted  parties  as  defined  by  the  “Measures  for  the  Administration  of  the 

Takeover of Listed Companies” among the top ten shareholders of the Company.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

24

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders

2. 

Information relating to the Controlling Shareholder and Effective Controller
The controlling shareholder of the Company is CLIC, and its relevant information is set out below:

Name of company

Legal 
representative

Registered 
capital

Date of 
incorporation Main Business

CLICNote

Yang Chao

 4.6 billion

21 July 2003 Life  insurance,  health  insurance,  accident 
and  other  types  of  personal  insurance; 
re-insurance  of  life  insurance  business; 
businesses  for  use  of  funds  that  are 
permitted  under  the  national  laws  and 
regulations  or  approved  by  the  State 
Council;  all  kinds  of  personal  insurance 
services,  consulting  and  agency  services; 
other businesses approved by the CIRC.

Note:  CLIC  was  formerly  known  as  China  Life  Insurance  Company,  a  company  approved  and  formed  by  the  State 

Council  in  January  1999.  With  the  approval  of  the  CIRC  in  2003,  China  Life  Insurance  Company  was 

restructured as CLIC.

The effective controller of the Company is the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China. The 
equity and controlling relationship between the Company and its effective controller is set out below:

Ministry of Finance

100%

China Life Insurance (Group) Company

68.37%

China Life Insurance Company Limited

During the Reporting Period, there was no change to the controlling shareholder and the effective controller 
of  the  Company.  As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  there  was  no  other  corporate  shareholder  holding 
more than 10% of the shares in the Company.

 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders

25

(4)  INTERESTS  AND  SHORT  POSITIONS  IN  THE  SHARES  AND  UNDERLYING  SHARES 
OF  THE  COMPANY  HELD  BY  SUBSTANTIAL  SHAREHOLDERS  AND  OTHER 
PERSONS UNDER HONG KONG LAWS AND REGULATIONS
So far as is known to any Directors, Supervisors and the chief executive of the Company, as at 31 December 2010, 
the following persons (other than the Directors, Supervisors and the chief executive of the Company) had interests 
or  short  positions  in  the  shares  or  underlying  shares  of  the  Company  which  would  fall  to  be  disclosed  to  the 
Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 
571  of  the  Laws  of  Hong  Kong)  (the  SFO),  or  which  were  recorded  in  the  register  required  to  be  kept  by  the 
Company pursuant to Section 336 of the SFO, or as otherwise notified to the Company and HKSE:

Name of substantial shareholder

Capacity

Type of shares

Number of 
shares held

Percentage of 
the respective 
type of shares 

Percentage of 
the total number 
of shares in issue

CLIC

Beneficial owner

A Shares

19,323,530,000(L)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Note 1)

Blackrock, Inc. (Note 2)

Beneficial owner, investment 
manager and custodian 
corporation/approved 
lending agent

Interest of corporation 
controlled by 
Blackrock, Inc.

H Shares

431,986,730(L)
81,044,814(S)
225,971,835(P)

H Shares

416,986,883(L)
22,851,712(S)

92.80%

5.81%
1.09%
3.04%

5.60%
0.31%

68.37%

1.53%
0.29%
0.80%

1.48%
0.08%

The letter “L” denotes a long position. The letter “S” denotes a short position. The letter “P” denotes interest in a 
lending pool.

(Note 1):  JPMorgan  Chase  &  Co.  was  interested  in  a  total  of  431,986,730  H  shares  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Part 

XV,  SFO.  Of  these  shares,  JPMorgan  Chase  Bank,  N.A.,  J.P.  Morgan  Investment  Management  Inc.,  JPMorgan 

Asset  Management  (UK)  Limited,  JPMorgan  Asset  Management  (Japan)  Limited,  JF  Asset  Management  Limited, 

J.P.  Morgan  Securities  Ltd.,  J.P.  Morgan  Whitefriars  Inc.,  JPMorgan  Asset  Management  (Taiwan)  Limited,  JF 

International Management Inc., JPMorgan Asset Management (Singapore) Limited and J.P. Morgan GT Corporation 

were  interested  in  225,975,835  H  shares,  7,734,372  H  shares,  19,361,380  H  shares,  221,000  H  shares,  79,177,000 

H  shares,  35,475,900  H  shares,  58,712,243  H  shares,  3,911,000  H  shares,  769,000  H  shares,  129,000  H  shares 

and  520,000  H  shares  respectively.  All  of  these  entities  are  either  controlled  or  indirectly  controlled  subsidiaries  of 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Included  in  the  431,986,730  H  shares  are  225,971,835  H  shares  (3.04%)  which  are  held  in  the  “lending  pool”,  as 

defined  under  Section  5(4)  of  the  Securities  and  Futures  (Disclosure  of  Interests  Securities  Borrowing  and  Lending) 

Rules.

In  addition,  JPMorgan  Chase  &  Co.  held  by  way  of  attribution  a  short  position  as  defined  under  Part  XV,  SFO  in 

81,044,814 H shares (1.09%).

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

26

Changes in Share Capital and Shareholdings of Substantial Shareholders

(Note 2):  Blackrock, Inc. was interested in a total of 416,986,883 H shares in accordance with the provisions of Part XV, SFO. 

Of  these  shares,  BlackRock  Investment  Management,  LLC.,  BlackRock  Financial  Management,  Inc.,  BlackRock 

Institutional  Trust  Company,  N.A.,  BlackRock  Fund  Advisors,  BlackRock  Advisors,  LLC.,  BlackRock  Asset 

Management  Canada  Limited,  BlackRock  Asset  Management  Australia  Limited,  BlackRock  Investment  Management 

(Australia)  Limited,  BlackRock  Asset  Management  North  Asia  Limited,  BlackRock  International  Ltd.,  Blackrock 

Advisors UK Ltd., BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Ltd, BlackRock Investment Management (LUX), BlackRock 

Fund  Managers  Ltd  and  BlackRock  Asset  Management  Deutschland  AG  were  interested  in  5,091,088  H  shares, 

411,895,795  H  shares,  299,746,735  H  shares,  222,539,735  H  shares,  16,738,535  H  shares,  488,000  H  shares, 

119,000  H  shares,  218,605  H  shares,  24,967,882  H  shares,  4,375,000  H  shares,  4,659,000  H  shares,  51,340,058 

H  shares,  7,905,980  H  shares,  504,000  H  shares  and  833,000  H  shares  respectively.  All  of  these  entities  are  either 

controlled or indirectly controlled subsidiaries of Blackrock, Inc.

Blackrock,  Inc.  held  by  way  of  attribution  a  short  position  as  defined  under  Part  XV,  SFO  in  22,851,712  H  shares 

(0.31%).

Save as disclosed above, the Directors, Supervisors and the chief executive of the Company are not aware that there 
is any party who, as at 31 December 2010, had an interest or short position in the shares and underlying shares of 
the Company which were recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company pursuant to Section 336 of 
the SFO.

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

27

I  DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

1.  Current Directors

Number 
of shares 
held at the 
beginning of 
the year

Number of 
shares held 
at the end of 
the year

Reason for 
changes

Remuneration 
paid/fee

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

77.46

73.44

69.36

69.36

0

0

0

0

0

32.00

17.50

/

Total 
emolument 
received from 
the Company in 
the Reporting 
Period in RMB 
ten thousands 
(Before tax)

Other benefits, 
social security, 
and housing 
provident fund 
paid by the 
Company

Whether 
receiving 
remuneration 
and allowance 
from 
shareholders or 
other associates

38.59

116.05

No

36.12

109.56

Yes (Paid to 
the Company)

34.15

35.99

103.51

105.35

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

/

0

0

0

0 

0

32.00

17.50

483.97

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

/

Name

Yang Chao

Position

Gender

Age

Term 

Chairman, Executive 
Director

Male

61

Since 25 May 2009

Wan Feng

Executive Director

Male

52

Since 25 May 2009

Lin Dairen

Liu Yingqi

Miao Jianmin

Shi Guoqing

Executive Director

Executive Director

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Male

Female

Male

Male

Zhuang Zuojin

Non-executive Director

Female

Ma Yongwei

Sun Changji

Independent Director

Independent Director

Bruce Douglas Moore

Independent Director

Anthony Francis Neoh

Independent Director

Total

/

Male

Male

Male

Male

/

52

52

46

59

59

69

69

62

65

/

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Since 21 June 2010

/

Notes:

1. 

According  to  the  Procedural  Rules  for  Board  of  Directors  Meetings  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited, 

Directors  serve  for  a  term  of  three  years  and  may  be  re-elected.  However,  Independent  Directors  may  not  be  re-

elected for more than six years.

2. 

The positions of the Directors in this annual report reflect their positions as at the submission date of this annual 

report. The emoluments are calculated based on the terms of office during the Reporting Period.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

28

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

3. 

On  4  June  2010,  Mr.  Anthony  Francis  Neoh  was  appointed  as  an  Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  the 

Annual General Meeting for the year 2009. On 21 June 2010, CIRC approved the appointment of Mr. Anthony 

Francis Neoh as an Independent Director of the Company.

4. 

According  to  the  relevant  rules  and  regulations  of  China,  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei  and  Mr.  Sun  Changji,  Independent 

Directors, have not received any emoluments from the Company during the Reporting Period.

5. 

According  to  the  relevant  rules  and  regulations  of  China,  the  final  amount  of  emoluments  of  the  Chairman  and 

Executive Directors is currently subject to review and approval. The result of the review will be revealed when the 

final amount is confirmed.

2.  Current Supervisors

No. of 
shares 
held at the 
beginning of 
the year

No. of 
shares held 
at the end of 
the year

Reason for 
changes

Remuneration 
paid/fee

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

/

/

/

/

/

/

69.36

58.78

56.22

56.22

15.00

/

Total 
emolument 
received from 
the Company in 
the Reporting 
Period in RMB 
ten thousands 
(Before tax)

Other benefits, 
social security, 
and housing 
provident fund 
paid by the 
Company

34.18

103.54

29.19

28.98

27.25

0

/

87.97

85.20

83.47

15.00

375.18

Whether 
receiving 
remuneration 
and allowance 
from 
shareholders or 
other associates

No

No

No

No

No

/

Name

Xia Zhihua

Position

Gender

Age

Term 

Chairperson of the 
Supervisory Committee

Female

55

Since 25 May 2009

Shi Xiangming

Supervisor

Male

Female

52

44

Since 25 May 2009

Since 25 May 2009

Male

44

Since 25 May 2009

Employee Representative 
Supervisor

Employee Representative 
Supervisor

Supervisor

/

Male

/

59

/

Since 25 May 2009

/

Yang Hong

Wang Xu

Tian Hui

Total

Notes:

1. 

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, Supervisors serve for a term of three years and may be re-elected.

2. 

The positions of the Supervisors in this annual report reflect their positions as at the submission date of this annual 

report. The emoluments are calculated based on the terms of office during the Reporting Period.

3. 

According  to  the  relevant  rules  and  regulations  of  China,  the  final  amount  of  emoluments  of  the  Chairperson  of 

the  Supervisory  Committee  is  currently  subject  to  review  and  approval.  The  result  of  the  review  will  be  revealed 

when the final amount is confirmed.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

29

3.  Current Senior Management

Number 
of share 
held at the 
beginning of 
the year

Number of 
share held at 
the end of 
the year

Reason for 
changes

Remuneration 
paid

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

73.44

69.36

69.36

69.36

69.36

69.36

69.36

271.15

30.42

/

Total 
emolument 
received from 
the Company in 
the Reporting 
Period in RMB 
ten thousands 
(Before tax)

Other benefits, 
social security, 
and housing 
provident fund 
paid by the 
Company

36.12

109.56

Whether 
receiving 
remuneration 
and allowance 
from 
shareholders or 
other associates

Yes (Paid to the 
Company)

34.15

35.99

103.51

105.35

No

No

36.08

105.44

Yes (Paid to the 
Company)

34.15

35.42

32.74

67.03

11.75

103.51

104.78

102.10

338.18

42.17

/

1,114.60

No

No

No

No

No

/

Name

Wan Feng

Lin Dairen

Liu Yingqi

Liu Jiade

Zhou Ying

Su Hengxuan

Miao Ping

Capacity

President

Vice President

Vice President, 
Board Secretary

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Hwei-Chung Shao

Chief Actuary

Female

Xu Hengping

Chief Operating Officer

Male

Total

/

/

Notes:

Gender

Age

Term 

Male

Male

Female

52

52

52

Since September 
2007

Since August 2003

Since January 2006 

Male

48

Since August 2003

Male

Male

Male

57

48

52

57

52

/

Since August 2008

Since August 2008

Since December 
2009

Since March 2007

Since August 2010

/

1. 

The  positions  of  the  members  of  the  Senior  Management  in  this  annual  report  reflect  their  positions  as  at  the 

submission  date  of  this  annual  report.  The  emoluments  are  calculated  based  on  the  terms  of  office  during  the 

Reporting Period.

2. 

At the eighth meeting of the third session of the Board of Directors convened on 25 August 2010, the Board has 

passed the “Resolution in relation to the nomination of Mr. Xu Hengping as the Chief Operating Officer of China 

Life Insurance Company Limited”.

3. 

According  to  the  relevant  rules  and  regulations  of  China,  the  final  amount  of  emoluments  of  the  Senior 

Management  is  currently  subject  to  review  and  approval.  The  result  of  the  review  will  be  revealed  when  the  final 

amount is confirmed.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

30

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

4.  Re-Designation and Retirement of Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management during 

the Reporting Period

Total emolument 
received from the 
Company in the 
Reporting Period 
in RMB ten 
thousands 
(Before tax)

Whether receiving 
remuneration and 
allowance from 
shareholders or 
other associates

0 

0

No

/

Reason for changes

Retired because of the expiration 
of his term as a director
/

Name

Previous Position

Gender

Independent 
Director
/

Male

/

Sun Shuyi

Total

Note:

Age

70

/

Term

25/05/2009 – 
30/06/2010
/

According to the relevant rules and regulations of China, Mr. Sun Shuyi, an Independent Director, has not received any 

emoluments from the Company during the Reporting Period.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

31

DIRECTORS

Mr. Yang Chao, born in 1950, Chinese
Mr.  Yang  became  the  Chairman  of  the  Company  in  July  2005,  the  President  of  China  Life 
Insurance  (Group)  Company  in  May  2005  and  the  Chairman  of  China  Life  Property  and 
Casualty  Insurance  Company  Limited  in  December  2006.  Between  May  2005  and  January 
2006,  he  was  the  General  Manager  of  the  Company.  Between  2000  and  2005,  Mr.  Yang  was 
the  Chairman  and  General  Manager  of  both  China  Insurance  (Holdings)  Company  Limited 
and  China  Insurance  H.K.  (Holding)  Company  Limited.  Mr.  Yang  graduated  from  Shanghai 
International  Studies  University  and  Middlesex  University  in  the  United  Kingdom,  majoring  in 
English and Business Administration, and obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration. 
Mr. Yang, a Senior Economist, has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and banking 
industries,  and  was  awarded  special  allowance  by  the  State  Council.  He  is  currently  the  Vice 
President  of  National  Association  of  Financial  Market  Institutional  Investors,  the  Chairman 
of  the  Chairmanship  of  China  Federation  of  Industrial  Economics,  a  member  of  Shanghai 
International  Financial  Center  Construction  Advisory  Committee,  a  member  of  Association  for 
Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, and the Vice President of China Silver Industry Association.

Mr. Wan Feng, born in 1958, Chinese
Mr.  Wan  became  the  President  of  the  Company  in  September  2007,  and  at  the  same  time  he 
became the Vice President of China Life Insurance (Group) Company, a Director of China Life 
Asset  Management  Company  Limited,  a  Director  of  China  Life  Property  and  Casulty  Insurance 
Company  Limited,  a  Director  of  China  Life  Pension  Company  Limited,  and  a  Director  of 
Guangdong  Development  Bank  Company  Limited.  He  became  an  Executive  Director  of  the 
Company  from  June  2006  and  served  as  a  Vice  President  of  the  Company  from  2003.  On 
31  January  2007,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  to  authorize  Mr.  Wan  Feng  to  be 
responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the Company. Mr. Wan received a 
BA degree in Economics from Jilin College of Finance and Trade, a MBA from Open University 
of  Hong  Kong,  and  a  Doctorate  in  Finance  from  Nankai  University  in  Tianjin.  Having  worked 
with  the  Company’s  Jilin  Branch,  the  Company’s  Shenzhen  Branch,  the  Company’s  Hong 
Kong  Branch  and  Hong  Kong  Taiping  Life  Insurance  Company,  he  has  accumulated  29  years 
of experience in the life insurance industry. Mr. Wang, a Senior Economist, was awarded special 
allowance  by  the  State  Council.  He  is  currently  Director  of  the  China  Life  Foundation,  Deputy 
Director  of  the  China  Association  of  Actuaries,  Deputy  Director  of  the  Insurance  Association 
of  China,  Executive  Director  of  the  Insurance  Institute  of  China  and  Director  of  the  China 
Insurance Guarantee Fund Committee.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

32

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

Mr. Lin Dairen, born in 1958, Chinese
Mr.  Lin  became  an  Executive  Director  of  the  Company  on  27  October  2008.  Mr.  Lin  served  as 
the Vice President of the Company since 2003 and served as the Executive Director and President 
of China Life Pension Company Limited from November 2006. Mr. Lin graduated in 1982 with 
a  Bachelor’s  degree  in  Medicine  from  Shandong  Province  Changwei  Medical  Institute.  Mr.  Lin, 
a  Senior  Economist,  has  worked  in  the  life  insurance  industry  for  29  years  and  has  accumulated 
extensive  experience  in  operation  and  management.  He  is  currently  the  Executive  Director  of 
the Insurance Institute of China, the Executive Director of the Labor Institute of China and the 
Executive Director of Peking University China Center for Insurance and Social Security Research.

Ms. Liu Yingqi, born in 1958, Chinese
Ms.  Liu  became  an  Executive  Director  of  the  Company  on  27  October  2008.  Ms.  Liu  served  as 
the Vice President of the Company since January 2006 and acted as Board Secretary from 30 May 
2008.  Ms.  Liu  became  a  Director  of  China  Life  Pension  Company  Limited  in  November  2006. 
Ms.  Liu  was  the  Chairperson  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  of  the  Company  between  August 
2003  and  January  2006.  Ms.  Liu  graduated  with  a  BA  in  Economics  from  Anhui  University  in 
1982. Ms. Liu has over 24 years of experience in operation and management of the life insurance 
business and in insurance administration. Ms. Liu, a Senior Economist, has extensive experience 
in operation and management. She is currently the Director of the Insurance Institute of China.

Mr. Miao Jianmin, born in 1965, Chinese
Mr.  Miao  Jianmin  became  a  Non-executive  Director  of  the  Company  on  27  October  2008. 
Mr.  Miao  became  a  Vice  President  of  China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company  in  December 
2005. Currently he also serves as the Chairman of both China Life Asset Management Company 
Limited  and  China  Life  Franklin  Asset  Management  Company  Limited,  the  Chinese  Alternate 
Representative  of  ABAC  (APEC  Business  Advisory  Council),  the  Director  of  the  Insurance 
Association of China, the Director of China Finance 40 Forum and a member of the expert panel 
for  the  planning  of  the  People’s  Bank  of  China’s  “12th  Five-year  Program  for  Development 
and  Reform  of  the  Financial  Industry”.  He  was  awarded  special  allowance  by  the  State  Council. 
In  2009,  he  was  named  as  a  “State-level  Candidate  for  the  New  Century  Talents  Project”  and 
one  of  the  “60  People  in  China  Insurance  Industry  in  the  60-year  History  of  New  China”.  Mr. 
Miao  graduated  from  the  post-graduate  division  of  the  People’s  Bank  of  China  with  a  major  in 
money  and  banking.  He  studied  in  the  Insurance  Faculty  of  Central  University  of  Finance  and 
Economics from 1982 to 1986. Mr. Miao is a Senior Economist.

Mr. Shi Guoqing, born in 1952, Chinese
Mr.  Shi  became  a  Non-executive  Director  of  the  Company  in  2004.  Mr.  Shi  is  also  the  Vice 
President of China Life Insurance (Group) Company from August 2003, the Chairman of China 
Life  Insurance  (Overseas)  Co.,  Ltd.,  Director  of  Beijing  Oriental  Plaza  Company  Limited, 
Director  of  Hong  Kong  Huiyen  Holding  Company  Limited,  Director  of  China  World  Trade 
Center  Limited,  Director  of  China  World  Trade  Center  Company  Limited,  Director  of  China 
World Trade Investments Limited, Chairman of Shanghai PICC Tower Limited and Director of 
Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone United Development Co., Ltd. Mr. Shi graduated from 
Foreign Trade and Business College of Beijing in 1976. Mr. Shi, a Senior Economist, has over 30 
years of experiences in the insurance industry, and has accumulated extensive experiences both in 
the operation and management of insurance businesses.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

33

Ms. Zhuang Zuojin, born in 1951, Chinese
Ms.  Zhuang  became  a  Non-executive  Director  of  the  Company  from  June  2006,  and  served 
as  the  Vice  President  of  China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company  from  August  2003,  and  the 
Director  of  China  Life  Asset  Management  Company  Limited  from  June  2004.  She  acted  as  a 
Director  of  China  Life  Franklin  Asset  Management  Company  Limited  from  May  2006.  Ms. 
Zhuang  graduated  from  Correspondence  College  of  CCP  School,  majoring  in  Economics  and 
Management,  and  studied  Probability  and  Statistics  (major  in  Insurance  Actuary)  in  Zhejiang 
University from September 1998 to January 2000. Ms. Zhuang, a Senior Accountant, has worked 
in  the  insurance  industry  for  over  30  years,  and  has  accumulated  extensive  experiences  both  in 
the  operation  and  management  of  insurance  businesses.  She  is  currently  the  Vice  President  of 
Financial Accounting Society of China.

Mr. Ma Yongwei, born in 1942, Chinese
Mr. Ma became an Independent Director of the Company in 2006. Mr. Ma has been a member 
of  the  Standing  Committee  of  National  Committee  of  Chinese  People’s  Political  Consultative 
Conference  since  2003.  He  was  the  Chairman  of  CIRC  from  1998  to  2002.  From  1996  to 
1998,  he  served  as  the  Chairman  and  General  Manager  of  former  China  Insurance  Group 
Company.  From  1994  to  1996,  he  served  as  the  Chairman  and  General  Manager  of  the  former 
People’s  Insurance  Company  of  China.  From  1984  to  1994,  Mr.  Ma  served  as  Governor  of 
the  Agricultural  Bank  of  China.  Mr.  Ma  graduated  from  the  Finance  Department  of  Liaoning 
Finance and Economic University in 1966. Mr. Ma, a Researcher, has over 38 years of experience 
in the banking industry and the insurance industry.

Mr. Sun Changji, born in 1942, Chinese
Mr.  Sun  became  an  Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  May  2009.  From  January  1968, 
Mr.  Sun  worked  in  Sichuan  Oriental  Turbine  Factory,  serving  as  Section  Head,  Workshop 
Director,  Deputy  Factory  Manager  and  Factory  Manager.  In  July  1991,  he  was  appointed  as 
Deputy  Director-general  of  the  production  department  of  the  Ministry  of  Machinery  Industry 
of the PRC, and he became Vice Minister of the Ministry of Machinery Industry of the PRC in 
April 1993. In April 1998, he became First Deputy Director-general of the State Administration 
of Machinery Industry of the PRC (deputy ministerial level). He became Deputy Party Secretary 
and Vice President (deputy ministerial level) of Bank of China in January 1999. From September 
1999  to  August  2001,  he  served  concurrently  as  President  of  China  Orient  Asset  Management 
Corporation.  He  became  Vice  Chairman  of  Bank  of  China  in  November  2000,  Vice  Chairman 
of  Bank  of  China  (Hong  Kong)  Limited  in  September  2001  and  Secretary  of  Commission  for 
Discipline  Inspection  of  Bank  of  China  in  June  2003  concurrently.  From  August  2004,  he  has 
served  as  Vice  Chairman  of  Bank  of  China  (Hong  Kong)  Limited  and  Vice  Chairman  of  China 
Machinery  Industry  Federation  concurrently.  Mr.  Sun,  now  a  Researcher-Level  Senior  Engineer, 
graduated from Tsinghua University in September 1966.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

34

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

Mr. Bruce Douglas Moore, born in 1949, American
Mr. Moore became an Independent Director of the Company in May 2009. From 2002 to 2007, 
Mr. Moore was Partner-in-charge of Asian actuarial services for Ernst & Young. He was based in 
Beijing for this job. He had served in actuarial leadership roles with Ernst & Young in New York 
and Tokyo. From 1995 to 2000, he was the head of international actuarial services in New York 
with  Ernst  &  Young.  In  2000,  Mr.  Moore  worked  with  Ernst  &  Young  in  Beijing  and  was  in 
charge of the business in Asian markets (including Japan). In 2001, he was responsible for Japan 
actuarial  services  in  Tokyo.  Since  2002,  he  was  responsible  for  actuarial  services  in  Aisan  maket 
(excluding  Japan)  in  Ernst  &  Young’s  Beijing  office.  From  1982  to  1995,  he  worked  in  various 
senior  financial  management  roles  at  Prudential  Life  Insurance  (U.S.).  Mr.  Moore  graduated 
from Brown University in 1971, majoring in applied mathematics. Mr. Moore is an FSA, FCAS, 
MAAA and CFA. Mr. Moore has over 35 years of experience serving the insurance industry as an 
executive or a consultant.

Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh, born in 1946, Chinese
Mr.  Neoh  became  an  Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  June  2010.  He  currently  serves 
as  a  member  of  the  International  Consultation  Committee  of  the  CSRC.  He  previously  served 
as  Chief  Advisor  to  the  CSRC,  a  member  of  the  Basic  Law  Committee  of  the  Hong  Kong 
Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress 
of  China,  Chairman  of  the  Hong  Kong  Securities  and  Futures  Commission,  etc.  From  1996 
to  1998,  he  was  Chairman  of  the  Technical  Committee  of  the  International  Organisation  of 
Securities Commissions. He was appointed as Queen’s Counsel (since retitled as Senior Counsel) 
in Hong Kong in 1990. Mr. Neoh graduated from the University of London with a degree in Law 
in 1976. He is a barrister of England and Wales and admitted to the State Bar of California. In 
2003,  he  was  conferred  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws,  honoris  causa  by  the  Chinese  University 
of  Hong  Kong.  He  was  elected  Honorary  Fellow  of  the  Hong  Kong  Securities  Institute  and 
Academician  of  the  International  Euro-Asian  Academy  of  Sciences  in  2009.  Mr.  Neoh  was  a 
Non-executive  Director  of  Global  Digital  Creations  Holdings  Limited  from  November  2002  to 
December 2005, and an Independent Non-executive Director of the Link Management Limited, 
Manager of the Link Real Estate Investment Trust, from September 2004 to March 2006. Since 
August  2004,  he  has  been  serving  as  an  Independent  Non-executive  Director  of  Bank  of  China 
Limited,  and  since  November  2004,  he  has  been  serving  as  an  Independent  Non-executive 
Director of China Shenhua Energy Company Limited.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

35

SUPERVISORS

Ms. Xia Zhihua, born in 1955, Chinese
Ms.  Xia  became  a  Supervisor  of  the  Company  in  January  2006,  and  the  Chairperson  of  the 
Supervisory  Committee  of  the  Company  in  March  2006.  Ms.  Xia  served  as  the  State  Council’s 
representative  in  China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company,  Designated  Supervisor  of  bureau  level 
grade offi cial and Offi ce Director of the Supervisory Committee of China Export & Credit Insurance 
Corporation from August 2003 to December 2005. Ms. Xia had 16 years of work experience in the 
State  Ministry  of  Finance  relating  to  economic  and  fi nancial  management  and  6  years  of  working 
experience  as  the  State  Council’s  representative  in  the  supervisory  board  of  state-owned  important 
fi nancial  institutions.  Ms.  Xia  graduated  from  the  Department  of  Economics  at  Xiamen  University 
in 1982 and received a BA degree in Politics and Economics. She graduated from the Department of 
Economics at Xiamen University in 1984 and received a MA degree in World Economics.

Mr. Shi Xiangming, born in 1959, Chinese
Mr. Shi became a Supervisor of the Company in May 2009, and served as the General Manager 
of the Supervisory Department of the Company since September 2008. Mr. Shi served as Deputy 
General  Manager  of  the  Human  Resources  Department  and  Office  Director  of  the  Supervisory 
Committee  in  the  Company  from  September  2003  to  September  2008.  From  March  2002  to 
August  2003,  Mr.  Shi  served  as  Deputy  General  Manager  of  the  Supervisory  Department  of 
China Life Insurance Company. Mr. Shi graduated from the Chemistry School of the first branch 
college of Beijing University, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Science.

Ms. Yang Hong, born in 1967, Chinese
Ms.  Yang  became  a  Supervisor  of  the  Company  in  October  2006,  and  is  currently  the  Deputy 
General  Manager  (in  charge)  of  the  R&D  Center  of  the  Company.  From  July  2003  to  January 
2011,  Ms.  Yang  served  as  Assistant  General  Manager,  and  Deputy  General  Manager  of  the 
Business  Management  Department  and  General  Manager  of  the  Customer  Service  Department 
of  the  Company.  Ms.  Yang  graduated  in  the  Computer  Department  of  Jilin  University  with  a 
Bachelor’s degree.

Mr. Wang Xu, born in 1967, Chinese
Mr. Wang became a Supervisor of the Company in May 2009, and served as the Chief of General 
Offi ce  of  the  Company  since  April  2009.  He  served  as  Deputy  Chief  (in  charge)  of  the  General 
Offi ce, Deputy General Manager of the Group Life Insurance Sales Department, and Deputy Chief, 
Chief  and  Deputy  General  Manager  of  the  Health  Insurance  Department  of  the  Company  from 
January  1999  to  April  2009.  He  also  served  as  doctor-in-charge  of  the  orthopedics  department  of 
China Aerospace Central Hospital from 1989 to 1999. Mr. Wang graduated from Suzhou Medical 
Institute with a Bachelor’s degree in medicine in 1989 and obtained a fi nancial MBA degree from 
Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2004. Mr. Wang is an associate senior doctor.

Mr. Tian Hui, born in 1951, Chinese
Mr. Tian became a Supervisor of the Company in June 2004. He is currently the Vice Chairman 
and  Party  Secretary  of  China  Coal  International  Engineering  Research  Institute.  He  was  the 
Director  and  Party  Secretary  of  China  Coal  International  Engineering  Research  Institute  from 
June  2006  to  April  2008,  and  Director  and  Deputy  Party  Secretary  of  China  Coal  International 
Engineering  Research  Institute  from  2000  to  2006.  Mr.  Tian  obtained  Bachelor’s  and  Doctor’s 
degrees  from  Fuxin  Minery  School  and  China  University  of  Mining  &  Technology  Beijing 
respectively.  Mr.  Tian  is  a  professor-level  Senior  Engineer  and  a  Master  of  China  Construction 
Design, and was awarded special allowance by the State Council.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

36

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Mr. Wan Feng, please see the section “Directors” for his profile.

Mr. Lin Dairen, please see the section “Directors” for his profile.

Ms. Liu Yingqi, please see the section “Directors” for her profile.

Mr. Liu Jiade, born in 1963, Chinese
Mr.  Liu  became  a  Vice  President  of  the  Company  in  2003  and  a  Director  of  China  Life  Asset 
Management  Company  Limited  from  June  2004.  Mr.  Liu  served  as  Director  of  China  Life 
Franklin  Asset  Management  Company  Limited  from  May  2006,  and  became  the  Director  of 
Guangdong  Development  Bank  Co.,  Ltd.  since  December  2006.  He  became  the  Vice  Director 
of  the  Finance  Bureau  of  the  Ministry  of  Finance  since  2000.  Mr.  Liu  is  a  graduate  of  Central 
Finance College in 1984 (now  Central University of Finance and Economics),  with  a  Bachelor’s 
degree in Public Finance. He is currently the Director of the Insurance Institute of China and a 
member of the State Ministry of Finance Accounting Information Committee.

Mr. Zhou Ying, born in 1954, Chinese
Mr.  Zhou  became  the  Vice  President  of  the  Company  since  August  2008  and  served  as  the 
secretary  of  the  commission  for  disciplinary  inspection  of  the  Company  since  November  2006. 
Mr.  Zhou  served  as  Director  of  the  Fifth  Office  (at  Deputy  Bureau  level)  and  as  a  Designated 
Supervisor  in  Beijing  State-owned  Enterprise  Supervisory  Committee  (at  Deputy  Bureau  level) 
from  May  2004  to  November  2006.  Mr.  Zhou  graduated  from  University  of  Science  and 
Technology of China with a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Mr. Su Hengxuan, born in 1963, Chinese
Mr. Su became the Vice President of the Company since August 2008. Mr. Su served as Assistant 
to President of the Company from January 2006 to July 2008. Mr. Su acted as Director of China 
Life  Property  and  Casualty  Insurance  Company  Limited  from  November  2006,  and  became  the 
Director  of  Insurance  Professional  College  from  December  2006.  He  was  the  General  Manager 
of  the  Company’s  Individual  Life  Insurance  Business  Department  from  2003  to  2006.  Mr.  Su 
graduated from Banking School, Henan Province in 1983 and graduated from Wuhan University 
in  1998  with  a  Bachelor’s  degree  in  Insurance  and  Finance,  majoring  in  Insurance.  Mr.  Su,  a 
Senior  Economist,  has  over  28  years  of  experience  in  the  Chinese  life  insurance  industry  and 
insurance  management.  He  is  currently  the  Chairman  of  Insurance  Marketing  Association  of 
Insurance Association of China.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

37

Mr. Miao Ping, born in 1958, Chinese
Mr.  Miao  became  the  Vice  President  of  the  Company  in  December  2009.  He  served  as  the 
General  Manager  of  the  Company’s  Jiangsu  branch  from  September  2006.  Mr.  Miao  has  served 
as  the  General  Manager  of  the  Company’s  Jiangxi  branch  from  September  2004  and  has  been  a 
Deputy General Manager of the Company’s Jiangsu branch from April 2002. Mr. Miao graduated 
from  the  Correspondence  College  of  Yangzhou  University  in  1996,  majoring  in  Economics  and 
Management.  Mr.  Miao,  a  senior  economist,  has  30  years  of  experience  in  the  operation  of  life 
insurance business and the management of insurance business.

Ms. Hwei-Chung Shao, born in 1954, American
Ms.  Shao  served  as  the  Chief  Actuary  of  the  Company  since  March  2007.  Ms.  Shao  had  been 
the  Senior  Deputy  President  and  Chief  Actuary  of  subsidiaries  under  Prudential  Financial 
Group  of  the  United  States,  and  has  accumulated  extensive  working  experience  in  insurance 
companies. She acted as the President and Senior Officer of many actuary societies, and obtained 
the  qualifications  of  CFA,  CERA,  CEBS,  CHFC,  CLU,  MAAA,  FSA,  etc..  Ms.  Shao  obtained 
a  Bachelor’s  degree  from  National  Chengchi  University  in  Taiwan  and  a  Master’s  degree  from 
University of Iowa, US. She is currently a member of Society of Actuaries of Greater China.

Mr. Xu Hengping, born in 1958, Chinese
Mr.  Xu  served  as  the  Chief  Operating  Officer  of  the  Company  since  August  2010.  Mr.  Xu  had 
been  the  General  Manager  of  the  Company’s  Fujian  branch  from  April  2007,  Deputy  General 
Manager  of  the  Company’s  Fujian  branch  from  December  2002  and  Assistant  to  the  General 
Manager of the Company’s Fujian branch from September 1998. Mr. Xu graduated in 2004 from 
the Network College of Hunan University, majoring in Finance. Mr. Xu, a Senior Economist, has 
over 30 years of experience in life insurance management.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

38

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr. Heng Kwoo Seng, born in 1948, Chinese
Mr.  Heng  is  the  Company  Secretary  of  the  Company.  Mr.  Heng  was  the  Managing  Partner 
of  Morison  Heng,  and  is  currently  the  Consultant  of  the  firm.  Prior  to  that,  he  served  as  the 
Manager  of  the  Finance  Department  of  Ka  Wah  Bank  Ltd.  and  as  an  Audit  Supervisor  of  Peat 
Matwick Mitchell & Co. in the United Kingdom. Mr. Heng is a fellow member of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and has over 19 years of experience in serving as 
company secretary of listed companies in Hong Kong.

QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT

Mr. Yang Zheng, born in 1970, Chinese
Mr.  Yang  became  the  Qualified  Accountant  of  the  Company  in  2006.  He  served  as  Assistant  to 
the General Manager, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of the Finance Department 
of  the  Company  since  2005.  Mr.  Yang  has  been  a  Director  of  China  Life  Asset  Management 
Company  Limited  since  2009.  Mr.  Yang  was  the  Senior  Financial  Analyst  of  MOLEX  in 
America between 2000 and 2005. Mr. Yang graduated from Beijing University of Technology in 
Electric Manufacturing in 1993 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. He obtained a 
MBA  from  Northeastern  University  in  2000,  and  received  the  qualification  of  Certified  Public 
Accountants  of  Illinois  in  America  in  2004.  He  became  a  member  of  American  Institute  of 
Certified Public Accountants in 2005.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Directors, Supervisors, Senior Management and Employees

39

II  EMPLOYEES

As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period,  we  have  103,220  employees.  The  Company  does  not  have  any  retired 
employees for which extra costs have to be incurred.

As at the end of the Reporting Period, our employee structure is as follows:

1.  Expertise

Class of Expertise 

Management and administration 
Sales and sales management 
Finance and auditing 
Insurance verification, claim processing and customer services 
Other expertise and technicians 
Others 

2.  Education Level

Education level 

Master or above 
Bachelor 
College Diploma 
Secondary School 
Others 

Number of Employees

19,793
26,298
7,432
37,670
3,837
8,190

Number of Employees

2,116
40,873
41,245
18,320
666

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

40

Corporate Governance

OVERVIEW
The  Company  implements  good  corporate  governance  policies  and  strongly  believes  that  through  fostering  sound 
corporate  governance,  the  Company  can  further  enhance  its  transparency  and  its  system  of  accountability,  achieve  the 
above-mentioned aims of the Company, operate in a more efficient manner and boost the confidence of investors.

(I)  Summary of corporate governance

Shareholders’
General Meeting 

Board of Directors

Supervisory
Committee

Audit Committee 

Nomination and 
Remuneration 
Committee 

Risk 
Management 
Committee  

Strategy and
Investment Decision
Committee  

Board Secretary 
Board Secretariat/Company Secretary 

(Corporate Governance Structure Chart)

The  Company,  as  an  insurance  company  listed  in  Shanghai,  Hong  Kong  and  New  York,  actively  promotes 
development  of  the  Company’s  corporate  governance  framework  through  the  construction  of  systems  and 
continuously  standardizes  and  perfects  the  corporate  governance  structure  in  accordance  with  the  regulatory 
requirements  of  its  listed  jurisdictions,  as  well  as  the  requirements  of  international  best  practices.  The  Company 
effectively  promotes  its  corporate  value,  and  the  investors’  recognition  of  and  confidence  in  the  Company  are 
continuously enhanced.

1. 

2. 

The  Company  has  set  up  a  relatively  standardized  and  comprehensive  corporate  governance  structure 
strictly in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and regulatory rules, such as the Company Law and the 
Securities Law of the PRC. There were no major differences between the corporate governance structure of 
the Company being implemented and that prescribed and required in the relevant documents of the CSRC. 
The  Company  complied  with  all  the  code  provisions  under  the  Code  on  Corporate  Governance  Practices 
published by the HKSE (the Code).

The  Company  timely  revised  its  Articles  of  Association  and  “Working  Rules  of  Independent  Directors” 
pursuant to the newly enacted laws and regulations of its listed jurisdictions and in line with the Company’s 
development  needs.  Furthermore,  the  Company  established  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision 
Committee  on  the  basis  of  the  Strategy  Committee  and  formulated  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Strategy 
and  Investment  Decision  Committee  Meetings”.  Its  Shareholders’  General  Meetings,  Board  Meetings  and 
Supervisory  Committee  Meetings  have  been  functioning  independently  and  efficiently  pursuant  to  its 
Articles of Association and their respective rules and procedures.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

41

3. 

4. 

5. 

In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  CSRC  and  relevant  provisions  of  its  Articles  of  Association, 
the  Company  has  established  a  well-developed  decision-making  mechanism  for  its  Board  of  Directors  (the 
Board),  and  has  also  set  up  four  specialized  board  committees,  namely  the  Audit  Committee,  Nomination 
and  Remuneration  Committee,  Risk  Management  Committee  and  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision 
Committee. These specialized board committees conduct studies on specific matters, hold meetings on both 
regular  and  irregular  basis,  communicate  with  the  management,  provide  advice  and  recommendations  for 
Directors’  consideration,  and  deal  with  matters  entrusted  or  authorized  by  the  Board  for  the  purpose  of 
improving the Board’s efficiency and capabilities.

In  strict  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  the  listing  rules  in  its  listed  jurisdictions,  the  Company 
discloses  information  in  a  timely,  accurate  and  complete  manner,  and  continues  to  improve  investor 
relations  and  increase  the  level  of  information  disclosure,  thus  ensuring  that  all  shareholders  and  investors 
have access to information about the Company in an open, fair, true and accurate manner, and the level of 
transparency of the Company’s operations has been further improved.

In  2010,  members  of  the  Board  carried  out  on-site  inspections  of  local  branches  of  the  Company  in 
Guangdong,  Henan,  Yunnan,  Shandong  and  Shenzhen,  etc.,  and  members  of  the  Supervisory  Committee 
carried out on-site inspections of local branches of the Company in Tianjin and Xinjiang, etc. Through such 
on-site inspections, Directors and Supervisors obtained a deeper understanding of the business development, 
operations management and basic construction of the Company’s local branches, and carried out inspections 
over  the  implementation  of  operational  decisions  made  by  the  Board  at  a  local  level.  Directors  and 
Supervisors  of  the  Company  attended  training  courses  held  by  the  Beijing  Securities  Regulatory  Bureau 
for  directors,  supervisors  and  senior  management  and  training  courses  held  by  the  Hong  Kong  Institute 
of  Chartered  Secretaries,  so  as  to  obtain  updates  on  relevant  regulatory  policies  and  improve  the  corporate 
governance of the Company.

6. 

In 2010, the Company launched a daily financial information inquiry system for its Non-executive Directors 
and  Independent  Directors  to  facilitate  their  accurate  analysis  on  the  financial  position  of  the  Company, 
thus ensuring that the Non-executive Directors and Independent Directors have a full understanding of the 
business management and operations of the Company in a timely manner.

(II)  The Campaign on Specific Improvements in Corporate Governance in 2010

Since  April  2007,  the  Company  has  adhered  strictly  to  the  arrangements  made  jointly  by  the  CSRC  and  the 
Beijing  Securities  Regulatory  Bureau  and  participated  in  the  Campaign  on  Specific  Improvements  in  Corporate 
Governance  for  three  consecutive  years  in  a  well-planned  and  methodical  manner,  going  through  various 
procedures  such  as  self-investigation,  public  consultation,  on-site  inspection,  improvements  and  sustained 
improvement  action.  The  Company  made  serious  efforts  to  implement  improvements  to  the  governance  issues 
identified in the Campaign, as well as the issues identified by the Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau during its 
on-site investigation. As at the end of 2010, the Company has substantially completed the implementation of such 
improvements.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

42

Corporate Governance

In  2010,  in  order  to  solidify  the  achievements  on  the  Campaign  on  Specific  Improvements  in  Corporate 
Governance  and  pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Beijing  Securities  Regulatory  Bureau,  the  Company 
continued  its  efforts  to  conduct  self-investigations  and  implement  improvements  on  its  corporate  governance 
practices.

1. 

2. 

3. 

The  Company  continuously  conducted  self-investigations  and  implemented  improvements  with  respect 
to  its  shares  held  by  Directors,  Supervisors  and  senior  management  and  any  changes  to  such  shareholding, 
and  formulated  the  ‘Measures  for  the  Administration  of  Shares  Held  by  Directors,  Supervisors  and  Senior 
Management and Any Changes to such Shareholding’. As at the end of the year 2010, none of the Directors, 
Supervisors and senior management held any shares of the Company during their terms of office, or traded 
or transferred any shares of the Company.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau, the Company further reorganized 
and improved its corporate governance system and continuously enhanced the construction of its corporate 
governance framework. The Company formulated ‘Measures for the Administration of External Guarantees 
of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited’,  ‘Measures  for  the  Administration  of  the  Funds  Flow  between 
China Life Insurance Company Limited and its Associated Parties’, ‘Working Rules for Board Secretary’ and 
‘Annual  Report  Working  Rules  for  Independent  Directors  and  Audit  Committee’,  etc.,  so  as  to  ensure  its 
compliance with the regulatory requirements of the listed jurisdictions.

The  Company  conducted  self-investigation  and  implemented  improvements  in  relation  to  defects  in 
ownership  of  properties  and  land.  Prior  to  the  listing  of  the  Company’s  A  Shares,  land  use  rights  were 
injected  into  the  Company  during  its  reorganization.  Out  of  these,  4  pieces  of  land  (with  a  total  area  of 
10,421.12 m2) had not had its formalities in relation to the change of ownership completed. Further, out of 
the  properties  injected  into  the  Company,  there  were  6  properties  (with  a  gross  floor  area  of  8,639.76  m2) 
in respect of which the formalities in relation to the change of ownership had not been completed. After the 
listing of the Company, CLIC actively offered assistance in dealing with such formalities in strict compliance 
with its commitments. Save for the property located at Levels A1 and B2, Yiye Nanfang Building, Luofang 
Road,  Luohu  District,  Shenzhen,  for  which  the  land  and  property  ownership  certificates  have  not  yet  been 
obtained, the formalities in relation to the change of ownership for the remaining lands and properties have 
been completed. The issue with obtaining land and property ownership certificates for the abovementioned 
property  located  at  Levels  A1  and  B2,  Yiye  Nanfang  Building,  Luofang  Road,  Luohu  District,  Shenzhen 
has been a long-standing problem. Prior to the reorganization and listing of the Company, the property was 
jointly  financed  and  constructed  by  Yiye  Shenzhen  Nanfang  Industrial  Company  (Shenzhen  Nanfang),  the 
People’s  Insurance  Company  of  China,  Shenzhen  Branch,  and  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited, 
Shenzhen  Branch.  As  Shenzhen  Nanfang  offered  its  self-owned  land  for  the  construction  of  Yiye  Nanfang 
Building  as  a  condition  for  cooperation,  the  Land  and  Resources  Bureau  initially  registered  the  property 
under the name of Shenzhen Nanfang. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Property Law of the 
PRC currently in force, all public areas of a building shall not be partitioned and only common ownership 
in respect thereof is permitted. Level A1 of Nanfang Building (108.90 m2) is the public foyer of the whole 
building and cannot be partitioned. Therefore, the formalities in relation to the partition of Level A1 cannot 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

43

proceed  due  to  legal  restrictions.  Level  B2  (800  m2)  is  an  area  shared  by  the  Company  and  the  People’s 
Insurance Company of China, Shenzhen Branch. Pursuant to the relevant requirements, the Company must 
obtain  new  approvals  from  the  planning,  construction  management,  survey  and  fire  departments  before 
making  an  application  to  the  Land  and  Resources  Bureau  for  the  partitioning  of  the  property  ownership 
certificate.  With  an  aim  to  solve  the  ownership  certificate  issue  as  soon  as  possible,  in  2010,  the  Company 
strengthened  its  communication  and  cooperation  with  the  relevant  parties  and  increased  its  efforts  to  solve 
the outstanding problem in its ownership perfection work and obtain separate land and property ownership 
certificates, including through the designation of specific personnel to follow-up with this issue.

(III) Development of the corporate governance system

In  accordance  with  CSRC’s  regulatory  requirements  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  the  “Accountability 
System  for  Major  Errors  in  Annual  Report  Disclosures”  and  the  “System  for  the  Administration  of  External 
Information  Users”,  and  taking  into  account  its  own  practice,  the  Company  revised  the  “Regulations  for 
Information  Disclosure  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited”  and  the  “Internal  Reporting  System  for 
Material  Information  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited”,  and  formulated  the  “Provisional  Measures 
on  Accountability  System  for  Major  Errors  in  Periodic  Report  Disclosures  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company 
Limited”.  These  further  ensure  the  regulatory  compliance  of  the  Company’s  administration  of  information 
disclosure and the smooth internal reporting channel of material information, clarify its accountability system and 
continuously  perfect  relevant  regulations  over  the  Company’s  information  disclosure.  To  ensure  the  continuous 
implementation  of  the  relevant  requirements  under  “Measures  for  the  Administration  of  Information  Disclosure 
of  Insurance  Companies”  by  CIRC,  the  Company  combined  the  information  disclosure  practices  in  its  listed 
jurisdictions and formulated the “Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the ‘Measures for the Administration 
of  Information  Disclosure  of  Insurance  Companies’”  in  order  to  clarify  relevant  workstreams  and  to  allocate 
responsibilities  to  the  relevant  departments  and  personnel.  In  accordance  with  requirements  under  the  “Notice 
in  relation  to  Further  Enhancement  of  the  Registration  System  of  Persons  with  Insider  Information”  issued  by 
Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau, the Company formulated the “Provisional Measures for the Administration 
of Persons with Insider Information of China Life Insurance Company Limited”, which provides clear regulations 
over  matters  such  as  registration  administration  of  persons  with  insider  information  and  accountability,  and 
further enhances the standardized administration over persons with insider information.

(IV)  Compliance with the Code on Corporate Governance Practices published by the HKSE

During  the  year  2010,  the  Company  complied  with  all  the  code  provisions  under  the  Code  on  Corporate 
Governance Practices published by HKSE. The Company also adopted certain recommended best practices under 
appropriate circumstances. It is noteworthy that the Company complies with and exceeds the exacting standards of 
the Code in the following ways:

1. 

currently, the Board consists of 11 members, of whom 4 are Independent Directors and 3 are Non-executive 
Directors.  Together  they  form  over  50%  of  the  membership  of  the  Board.  The  above  Board  composition 
complies  with  the  minimum  requirement  of  3  Independent  Directors  under  the  listing  rules  of  the  HKSE 
(the  Listing  Rules)  and  the  recommended  best  practice  under  the  Code  that  one-third  of  the  Board  be 
represented by Independent Directors;

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

44

Corporate Governance

2. 

3. 

in order to foster sound corporate governance and systemize the operations of the Company, the Company 
revised  in  a  timely  manner  its  Articles  of  Association  and  “Working  Rules  of  Independent  Directors” 
pursuant  to  relevant  newly  enacted  laws  and  regulations  of  its  listed  jurisdictions.  Furthermore,  the 
Company  established  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  on  the  basis  of  the  Strategy 
Committee  and  formulated  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee 
Meetings”.  The  Shareholders’  General  Meetings,  the  Board  Meetings  and  the  Supervisory  Committee 
Meetings  of  the  Company  are  functioning  independently  and  efficiently  pursuant  to  the  Articles  of 
Association and their respective rules and procedures; and

In  order  to  improve  the  corporate  governance  of  the  Company,  the  Company  continued  to  take  effective 
measures,  conduct  self-investigations  and  implement  improvements  with  a  view  to  improving  the 
operational  efficiency  of  the  Board  and  enhancing  communication  with  investors.  The  Company  also 
endeavoured  to  continuously  improve  and  perfect  its  information  disclosure  system  and  procedures  and 
become  more  proactive  on  information  disclosure,  thereby  increasing  the  transparency  of  the  Company’s 
operations and ensuring that investors (especially investors holding small to medium stakes in the Company) 
have equal access to information about the Company.

SHAREHOLDERS’ GENERAL MEETING
The  Shareholders’  General  Meeting,  as  an  organ  of  power  of  the  Company,  exercises  its  duties  and  functions  in 
accordance  with  relevant  laws.  Its  duties  and  powers  include  the  election,  appointment  and  removal  of  Directors  and 
Supervisors, review and approval of the reports of the Board and the Supervisory Committee, review and approval of the 
annual budget and final accounts of the Company, and any other matters required by the Articles of Association to be 
approved  by  way  of  resolution  of  the  Shareholders’  General  Meeting.  The  Company  ensures  that  all  shareholders  have 
equal status so as to ensure that the rights of all shareholders are protected, including the right of access to information 
in  relation  to,  and  the  right  to  vote  in  respect  of,  major  matters  of  the  Company.  The  Company  has  the  ability  to 
operate  and  manage  its  business  autonomously,  and  is  separate  and  independent  from  its  controlling  shareholder  in  its 
business operations, personnel, assets and financial matters.

Shareholders’ General Meeting convened during the Reporting Period is as follows:

Session of the meeting  

Date of the meeting  

Newspapers in which 
resolutions were published 

Annual General Meeting 
for the year 2009 

4 June 2010 

China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times

Date of publication
of resolutions

5 June 2010

 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

45

BOARD
The  Board  is  a  standing  decision-making  body  of  the  Company  and  its  main  duties  include  the  following:  convening 
Shareholders’  General  Meetings,  implementing  resolutions  passed  at  such  meetings,  approving  the  Company’s 
development  strategies  and  operation  plans,  formulating  and  supervising  the  Company’s  financial  policies  and  annual 
budgets,  providing  an  objective  evaluation  on  the  Company’s  operating  results  in  its  financial  reports  and  other 
disclosure  documents,  dealing  with  senior  management  personnel  matters,  reviewing  internal  control  systems  and 
implementing  the  corporate  governance  policies  of  the  Company.  The  day-to-day  management  and  operation  of  the 
Company are delegated to the management. The responsibilities of Non-executive Directors and Independent Directors 
include,  without  limitation,  regular  attendance  at  meetings  of  the  Board  and  of  Board  committees  of  which  they  are 
members,  provision  of  independent  opinions  at  meetings  of  the  Board  and  other  Board  committees,  resolution  of 
any  potential  conflict  of  interest,  serving  on  the  Audit  Committee,  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  and 
other  Board  committees  and  inspecting,  supervising  and  reporting  on  the  performance  of  the  Company.  The  Board  is 
accountable to the shareholders of the Company and reports to them.

At  present,  the  Board  consists  of  11  members,  including  4  Executive  Directors,  3  Non-executive  Directors  and  4 
Independent  Directors.  So  far  as  the  Company  is  aware,  no  financial,  business,  family  or  other  material  relationship 
exists  among  Board  members,  members  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  or  senior  management  (including  between  the 
Chairman, Mr. Yang Chao and the President, Mr. Wan Feng).

In 2010, all Independent Directors of the Company possessed extensive experience in various fields, such as economics, 
insurance,  management,  finance  and  accounting.  The  Company  complies  with  the  requirement  of  the  Listing  Rules 
that  at  least  one  of  its  Independent  Directors  has  appropriate  professional  qualifications  or  accounting  qualifications 
or  related  financial  management  expertise.  As  required  under  the  Listing  Rules,  the  Company  has  obtained  a  written 
confirmation  from  each  of  its  Independent  Directors  in  respect  of  their  independence,  and  the  Company  is  of  the 
opinion that all of the Independent Directors are independent of the Company. Pursuant to the Articles of Association, 
Directors shall be elected at the Shareholders’ General Meeting for a term of three years and may be re-elected on expiry 
of the three-year term.

Meetings of the Board are held both on a regular and an ad-hoc basis. Regular meetings are convened by the Chairman 
at  least  four  times  a  year  at  approximately  quarterly  intervals,  and  14  days’  notice  is  given  to  all  Directors  before  such 
meetings. Agendas and related documents are sent to the Directors at least three days prior to such meetings. In 2010, 
all notices, agendas and related documents in respect of such regular Board meetings were sent in compliance with the 
above requirements.

Regular Board meetings are held mainly to review the quarterly, interim and annual reports of the Company and to deal 
with other related matters. The practice of obtaining Board consent through the circulation of written resolutions does 
not constitute a regular Board meeting. An ad-hoc Board meeting may be convened in urgent situations if requisitioned 
by  any  of  the  following:  shareholders  representing  over  one-tenth  of  voting  shares,  Directors  constituting  more  than 
one-third  of  the  total  number  of  Directors,  the  Supervisory  Committee,  more  than  2  Independent  Directors,  the 
Chairman or the President. If the resolution to be considered at such ad-hoc Board meetings has been circulated to all 
the Directors and more than half of the Directors having voting rights approves such resolution by signing the resolution 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

46

Corporate Governance

in writing, the Board meeting need not be convened and such resolution in writing shall become an effective resolution. 
If  a  Director  is  materially  interested  in  a  matter  to  be  considered  by  the  Board,  the  Director  having  such  conflict  of 
interest shall have no voting rights on the matter to be considered and shall not be counted in the quorum for the Board 
meeting.

All  Directors  shall  have  access  to  the  advice  and  services  of  the  Company  Secretary  and  the  Board  Secretary.  Detailed 
minutes  of  Board  meetings  regarding  matters  considered  by  the  Board  and  decisions  reached,  including  any  concerns 
raised  by  Directors  or  dissenting  views  expressed,  are  kept  by  the  Board  Secretary.  Minutes  of  Board  meetings  are 
available upon reasonable notice for inspection and commenting upon by any Director.

1.  Meetings of the Board convened in 2010

Session of the meeting

Date of the meeting

Newspapers in which resolutions were 
published

Date of publication 
of resolutions

5th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board
6th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board
7th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board
8th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board
9th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board
10th Meeting of the Third 
Session of the Board

26 February 2010

7 April 2010

28 April 2010

25 August 2010

28 October 2010

20 December 2010

China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times
China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times
China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times
China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times
China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times
China Securities Journal, Shanghai 
Securities News and Securities Times

27 February 2010

8 April 2010

29 April 2010

26 August 2010

29 October 2010

21 December 2010

The resolutions passed at the above Board meetings were published on the HKExnews website of the Hong Kong 
Exchanges and Clearing Limited as overseas regulatory announcements.

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  recommended  best  practices  in  the  Code,  the  Company  convened  a  special 
meeting  on  28  October  2010,  which  was  presided  by  its  Chairman,  Mr.  Yang  Chao  and  attended  by  the 
Company’s Non-executive Directors and Independent Directors. The purpose of the meeting was to consult with, 
and solicit advice and recommendations from, all Non-executive Directors and Independent Directors in respect of 
the operation, management and systems of the Company.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

47

2.  Meetings and Attendance

In  2010,  6  Board  meetings  were  held,  of  which  3  were  physical  meetings  and  3  were  combined  physical  and 
telephony meetings. The attendance records of individual Directors were as follows:

Name of Director  

Type of Director  

meetings the Director  
was required to attend 
during the year 

meetings 
meetings 
physically 
attended 
attended  by telephony 

meetings  Number of 
meetings 
attended 
absent 
by proxies 

Number of  Number of  Number of  Number of 

  Whether the
Director
failed to
attend two 
consecutive
meetings
in person

Yang Chao 
Wan Feng 
Lin Dairen 
Liu Yingqi 
Miao Jianmin 
Shi Guoqing 
Zhuang Zuojin 
Sun Shuyi 
Ma Yongwei 
Sun Changji 
Bruce Douglas Moore 
Anthony Francis Neoh 

Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 

6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
3 
6 
6 
6 
3 

6 
6 
5 
6 
5 
5 
5 
0 
6 
5 
6 
3 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
3 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
1 (Note 1) 
0 
1 (Note 2) 
1 (Note 3) 
1 (Note 4) 
0 
0 
1 (Note 5) 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No

Note 1:  At  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  28  October  2010,  Mr.  Lin  Dairen  gave  written 

authorization for Mr. Wan Feng to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

Note 2:  At  the  eighth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  25  August  2010,  Mr.  Miao  Jianmin  gave  written 

authorization for Mr. Shi Guoqing to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

Note 3:  At  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  28  October  2010,  Mr.  Shi  Guoqing  gave  written 

authorization for Ms. Zhuang Zuojin to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

Note 4:  At  the  seventh  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  28  April  2010,  Ms.  Zhuang  Zuojin  gave  written 

authorization for Mr. Shi Guoqing to act as her proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

Note 5:  At  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  28  October  2010,  Mr.  Sun  Changji  gave  written 

authorization for Mr. Ma Yongwei to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

48

Corporate Governance

From  the  end  of  year  2010  up  to  the  Latest  Practicable  Date  (22  March  2011),  1  Board  meeting  was  held  and 
attendance records of individual Directors were as follows:

Name of Director  

Type of Director  

meetings the Director  
was required to attend 
during the year 

meetings 
meetings 
attended 
physically 
attended  by telephony 

meetings  Number of 
meetings 
attended 
absent 
by proxies 

Number of  Number of  Number of  Number of 

  Whether the
Director
failed to
attend two 
consecutive
meetings
in person

Yang Chao 
Wan Feng 
Lin Dairen 
Liu Yingqi 
Miao Jianmin 
Shi Guoqing 
Zhuang Zuojin 
Ma Yongwei 
Sun Changji 
Bruce Douglas Moore 
Anthony Francis Neoh 

Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 
Independent Director 

1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 

1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
1 
1 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1(Note 1) 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No

Note 1:   At  the  eleventh  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  held  on  22  March  2011,  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei  gave  written 

authorization for Mr. Sun Changji to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

3.  Performance of duties by Independent Directors

In  2010,  all  Independent  Directors  of  the  Company  possessed  extensive  experience  in  various  fields,  such  as 
economics, insurance, management, finance and accounting. They satisfied the criteria for Independent Directors 
under  the  regulatory  rules  of  the  Company’s  listed  jurisdictions.  The  Independent  Directors  of  the  Company 
performed  their  duties  pursuant  to  the  Articles  of  Association  and  the  provisions  and  requirements  of  the 
listing  rules  of  the  Company’s  listed  jurisdictions,  such  as:  attending  Board  meetings  of  the  Company  in  2010, 
participating  in  the  establishment  of  special  Board  committees,  providing  professional  and  constructive  advice  in 
respect  of  major  decisions  of  the  Company,  playing  an  important  role  in  the  standardization  of  the  Company’s 
operations,  and  safeguarding  the  legitimate  interests  of  shareholders  holding  small  to  medium  stakes  in  the 
Company.

In  2010,  the  Independent  Directors  of  the  Company  inspected  local  branches  of  the  Company  in  Guangdong, 
Henan,  Shandong,  Yunnan,  and  Shenzhen,  etc.,  carrying  out  on-site  inspections  of  the  business,  operations  and 
management of the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

49

During  the  Reporting  Period,  no  Independent  Director  has  raised  any  objection  against  a  Board  resolution  or 
other matters of the Company.

4. 

Implementation by the Board of resolutions adopted at Shareholders’ General Meetings
During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company  convened  one  Shareholders’  General  Meeting.  The  Board  made 
decisions  strictly  within  the  authorizations  given  under  the  Shareholders’  General  Meeting,  performed  its  duties 
and  functions  with  diligence  and  implemented  the  resolutions  adopted  at  the  Shareholders’  General  Meeting 
pursuant  to  the  relevant  requirements  of  the  Company  Law  and  Securities  Law  of  the  PRC  and  its  Articles  of 
Association.

The  profit  distribution  plan  of  the  Company  for  2009  was  considered  and  approved  at  the  Annual  General 
Meeting  for  the  year  2009,  being  a  resolution  to  “declare  a  dividend  of  RMB0.70  per  share  in  cash  (including 
taxes)”  (equivalent  to  HK$0.798691).  The  record  date  for  the  entitlement  to  dividend  payment  on  A  Shares 
was  23  June  2010;  ex-dividend  date  was  24  June  2010  and  dividend  payment  date  was  2  July  2010.  The 
announcement for profit distribution in 2009 was published in the China Securities Journal, Shanghai Securities 
News and Securities Times on 17 June 2010. Dividends on H Shares were distributed to the holders of H Shares 
whose  names  appeared  on  the  H  Share  register  of  members  on  4  June  2010  and  the  payment  in  respect  thereof 
was made on 24 August 2010. Resolutions adopted at the Shareholders’ General Meeting and the announcement 
regarding the distribution of final dividend were posted on the HKExnews website of the Hong Kong Exchanges 
and Clearing Limited (www.hkexnews.hk) on 4 June 2010. The implementation of the above distribution plan has 
been completed.

CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT
In 2010, Mr. Yang Chao was the Chairman and Mr. Wan Feng was the President of the Company. The Chairman is the 
legal  representative  of  the  Company,  primarily  responsible  for  convening  and  presiding  over  Board  meetings,  ensuring 
the implementation of Board resolutions, attending Annual General Meetings and arranging attendance by chairpersons 
of  Board  committees  to  answer  questions  raised  by  shareholders,  signing  securities  issued  by  the  Company  and  other 
important  documents,  and  exercising  other  rights  conferred  on  him  by  the  Board.  The  Chairman  is  accountable 
to  and  reports  to  the  Board.  The  President  is  responsible  for  the  day-to-day  operations  of  the  Company,  including 
implementing  strategies,  policies,  operation  plans  and  investment  schemes  approved  by  the  Board,  formulating  the 
Company’s  internal  control  structure  and  fundamental  management  policies,  drawing  up  basic  rules  and  regulations 
of  the  Company,  submitting  to  the  Board  requests  for  appointment  or  removal  of  senior  management  officers  and 
exercising  other  rights  granted  to  him  under  the  Articles  of  Association  and  by  the  Board.  The  President  is  fully 
accountable to the Board for the operations of the Company.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

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Corporate Governance

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the Company Law of the PRC and the Articles of Association, the Company has established a Supervisory 
Committee. The Supervisory Committee is empowered by law to perform the following duties: to examine the finances 
of  the  Company;  to  monitor  whether  the  Directors,  President,  Vice  Presidents  and  other  senior  management  officers 
of  the  Company  have  acted  in  contravention  of  laws,  regulations,  the  Articles  of  Association  and  resolutions  of  the 
Shareholders’ General Meeting when discharging their duties; to review the financial information of the Company such 
as  financial  reports,  results  reports  and  profit  distribution  plans  to  be  approved  by  Board  of  Directors;  to  propose  the 
convening  of  extraordinary  Shareholders’  General  Meetings,  to  propose  resolutions  at  Shareholders’  General  Meetings 
and to perform any other duties under the laws, regulations and supervisory rules of the Company’s onshore and offshore 
listed jurisdictions.

The  Supervisory  Committee  is  accountable  to  the  shareholders  and  reports  its  work  to  the  Shareholders’  General 
Meeting  according  to  relevant  laws.  It  is  also  responsible  for  appraising  the  Company’s  operations,  financial  reports, 
connected transactions and internal control, etc.

The Supervisory Committee currently consists of Ms. Xia Zhihua, Mr. Shi Xiangming, Ms. Yang Hong, Mr. Wang Xu 
and  Mr.  Tian  Hui,  with  Ms.  Xia  Zhihua  acting  as  the  chairperson  of  the  Supervisory  Committee.  Of  the  members  of 
the Supervisory Committee, Ms. Xia Zhihua, Mr. Shi Xiangming and Mr. Tian Hui are Non-employees’ Representative 
Supervisors, and Ms. Yang Hong and Mr. Wang Xu are Employees’ Representative Supervisors.

Meetings  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  are  convened  by  the  chairperson  of  the  Supervisory  Committee.  According  to 
the  Articles  of  Association,  the  Company  formulated  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Supervisory  Committee  Meetings”  and 
established  protocols  for  Supervisory  Committee  Meetings.  Supervisory  Committee  Meetings  are  categorized  as  regular 
or ad-hoc meetings in accordance with the degree of pre-planning involved. There are at least four regular meetings each 
year, mainly to adopt and review financial reports and annual reports, and examine the financials and internal control of 
the Company. Ad-hoc meetings are convened as and when necessary.

1.  Meetings and Attendance

In 2010, 6 meetings were held by the Supervisory Committee. Details are set out in the “Report of the Supervisory 
Committee” in this annual report. Attendance records of individual Supervisors are as follows:

Name of Supervisor  

Number of meetings attended  

Attendance rate

Xia Zhihua 
Shi Xiangming 
Yang Hong 
Wang Xu 
Tian Hui 

6/6 
6/6 
6/6 
6/6 
5/6 (Note 1) 

100%
100%
100%
100%
83%

Note 1:  At the ninth meeting of the third session of the Supervisory Committee held on 28 October 2010, Mr. Tian Hui gave 

written authorization for Ms. Xia Zhihua to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

51

From the end of the year 2010 up to the Latest Practicable Date, the Supervisory Committee convened 1 meeting. 
Attendance records of individual Supervisors at the meeting of the Supervisory Committee are as follows:

Name of Supervisor  

Number of meetings attended  

Attendance rate

Xia Zhihua 
Shi Xiangming 
Yang Hong 
Wang Xu 
Tian Hui 

1/1 
1/1 
1/1 
1/1 
1/1 

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2.  Activities of the Supervisory Committee during the Reporting Period

For the work done by the Supervisory Committee during the Reporting Period, please refer to the “Report of the 
Supervisory Committee” in this annual report.

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The  Company  established  its  Audit  Committee  on  30  June  2003.  In  2010,  the  Audit  Committee  comprised  only 
Independent  Directors  of  the  Company,  with  Mr.  Bruce  Douglas  Moore  acting  as  the  chairman  of  the  third  session 
of  the  Audit  Committee.  Other  members  were  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi  and  Mr.  Sun  Changji.  On  30  June  2010,  after  serving 
as  an  Independent  Director  of  the  Company  for  6  consecutive  years,  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi  retired  from  his  position  as  the 
Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  accordance  with  relevant  regulatory  requirements.  Pursuant  to  the  relevant 
requirements of the Articles of Association, Mr. Ma Yongwei, an Independent Director, was appointed as a member of 
the Audit Committee at the sixth ad hoc meeting of the third session of the Board.

All  members  of  the  Audit  Committee  have  extensive  experience  in  financial  matters.  Mr.  Bruce  Douglas  Moore  is  the 
financial  expert  of  the  Audit  Committee.  The  principal  duties  of  the  Audit  Committee  are  to  review  and  supervise 
the  preparation  of  the  Company’s  financial  reports,  assess  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  system, 
supervise the Company’s internal audit system and recommend the engagement or replacement of external auditors. The 
Audit Committee is also responsible for communications between the internal and external auditors.

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52

Corporate Governance

1.  Meetings and Attendance

In 2010, 5 meetings were held by the Audit Committee. Attendance records of individual members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Bruce Douglas Moore 

Sun Shuyi 

Ma Yongwei 

Sun Changji 

Independent Director, chairman of the third 
session of the Audit Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Audit Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Audit Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Audit Committee

Number of 

meetings attended   

Attendance
 rate

5/5 

3/3 (Note 1) 

2/2 (Note 2) 

4/5 (Note 3) 

100%

100%

100%

80%

Note 1:  Pursuant to the Articles of Association and the relevant laws and regulations, Mr. Sun Shuyi, a Director of the third 

session of the Board, has ceased to act as Director of the Company since 30 June 2010.

Note 2:  Pursuant  to  the  Articles  of  Association  and  the  relevant  laws  and  regulations,  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei,  an  Independent 

Director, was appointed as a member of the Audit Committee at the sixth ad hoc meeting of the third session of the 

Board.

Note 3:  At  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Audit  Committee  held  on  28  October  2010,  Mr.  Sun  Changji  gave 

written authorization for Mr. Ma Yongwei to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

From  the  end  of  the  year  2010  up  to  the  Latest  Practicable  Date,  the  Audit  Committee  convened  1  meeting. 
Attendance records of individual members are as follows:

Name of member 

Position  

Bruce Douglas Moore 

Ma Yongwei 

Sun Changji 

Independent Director, chairman of the third 
session of the Audit Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Audit Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Audit Committee

Number of  
meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate

1/1 

100%

–(Note 1) 

–

1/1 

100%

Note 1:  At  the  tenth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Audit  Committee  held  on  21  March  2011,  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei  gave 

written authorization for Mr. Sun Changji to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the meeting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

53

2.  Performance of duties by the Audit Committee

(1)  Reviewing  and  approving  the  “Proposal  on  the  Change  of  Accounting  Policies  for  Onshore  Financial 
Reports  and  the  Adoption  of  the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  for  Offshore  Financial 
Reports”,  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  Actuarial  Policies,  Assumptions  and  Effects”,  the  “Proposal  on  the 
2009 Financial Report”, the “Proposal on the Financial Report for the First Quarter of 2010”, the “Proposal 
on the Dedicated Financial Report on Participating Insurance Business for the Year of 2009”, the “Proposal 
on  the  2010  Interim  Report”,  the  “Proposal  on  the  Solvency  Report  for  the  First  Half  of  2010”,  the 
“Proposal on the Financial Report for the Third Quarter of 2010” and the “Proposal on the 2010 Financial 
Report”.  The  Audit  Committee  was  of  the  view  that  the  financial  reports  of  the  Company  reflected  the 
overall situation of the Company in a true, accurate and complete manner, and gave its written opinion in 
this regard.

(2)  Determining  the  overall  scope  and  agenda  for  the  2010  audit  after  having  consulted  the  independent 
auditors  (PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian  Certified  Public  Accountants  Limited  Company  and 
PricewaterhouseCoopers); receiving from the independent auditors the “Report on the 2009 Audit Results”, 
the  “Report  on  the  Agreed-upon  Procedures  Performed  in  relation  to  the  Financial  Report  for  the  First 
Quarter  of  2010”,  the  “2010  First  Round  Audit  and  Interim  Review  Report”,  the  “Report  on  the  Agreed-
upon  Procedures  Performed  in  relation  to  the  Financial  Report  for  the  Third  Quarter  of  2010”  and  the 
“Audit Results of the 2010 Financial Report”; reporting to the Board in relation to the “Proposal in relation 
to  Auditors’  Remuneration  for  2010  and  the  Appointment  of  Auditors  for  2011”;  and  confirming  the  re-
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian Certified Public Accountants Limited Company as the 
PRC auditor of the Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers as the international auditor of the Company.

(3)  Examining the internal audit functions and the effectiveness of the internal control system of the Company; 
reviewing  proposals  such  as  those  in  relation  to  the  “2009  Internal  Audit  Summary  and  the  2010  Internal 
Audit  Plan”,  the  “Review  of  the  2009  Audit  Report  of  Connected  Transactions”,  the  “Budget  of  Internal 
Audit  System  for  2010”  and  the  “First  Half  2010  Internal  Audit  Summary  and  the  Second  Half  2010 
Internal  Audit  Plan”  in  order  to  facilitate  the  communication  between  the  Company’s  internal  audit 
department and the independent auditors.

(4)  Providing  leadership  in  the  implementation  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  and  management  measures 
and  compliance  with  Section  404  of  the  U.S.  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act;  reviewing  the  “Proposal  concerning  the 
Report on Internal Control Assessments”, the “Report on Internal Control Assessments for the First Half of 
2010”, and the “Report on Issues Identified in the 2010 Interim Internal Control and the Implementation 
of Improvements”.

(5) 

Sending members of the Audit Committee to Shenzhen Audit Center and branch companies in Guangdong 
Province  and  Luoyang  of  Henan  Province  to  conduct  investigative  information  gathering  exercises, 
including  visiting  local  branches  of  the  Company,  examining  their  accounting  practices,  inspecting  their 
internal control system, and thereby understanding the overall operations and management of the Company.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

54

Corporate Governance

NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The  Company  established  the  Management  Training  and  Remuneration  Committee  on  30  June  2003.  On  16 
March  2006,  the  Board  resolved  to  change  the  name  of  the  Management  Training  and  Remuneration  Committee  to 
the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee,  with  a  majority  of  Independent  Directors  on  the  committee.  The 
Nomination and Remuneration Committee is mainly responsible for reviewing the structure of the Board and drawing 
up plans for the appointment and succession of Directors and senior management. The committee is also responsible for 
formulating training and remuneration policies for the senior management of the Company.

The third session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee comprised Mr. Sun Changji and Mr. Bruce Douglas 
Moore,  both  of  whom  are  Independent  Directors,  and  Mr.  Miao  Jianmin,  who  is  a  Non-executive  Director,  with  Mr. 
Sun Changji acting as the chairman.

So  far  as  the  nomination  of  Directors  is  concerned,  the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  shall  first  discuss 
and agree on the list of candidates to be nominated as new Directors, following which such candidates are recommended 
to the Board. The Board shall then determine whether such candidates’ appointments should be proposed for approval 
at the Shareholders’ General Meeting. The major criteria considered by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 
and  the  Board  are  educational  background,  management  and  research  experience  in  the  insurance  industry,  and  the 
candidates’  commitment  to  the  Company.  As  to  the  nomination  of  Independent  Directors,  the  Nomination  and 
Remuneration Committee will also give special consideration to the independence of the relevant candidates.

The  fixed  salary  of  the  Executive  Directors  and  other  members  of  senior  management  are  determined  in  accordance 
with  market  levels  and  their  respective  positions,  and  the  amount  of  their  performance-related  bonuses  is  determined 
according  to  the  results  of  performance  appraisals.  Directors’  fees  and  the  volume  of  share  appreciation  rights  to  be 
granted are determined with reference to market levels and the actual circumstances of the Company.

1.  Meetings and Attendance

In  2010,  3  meetings  were  held  by  the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee.  Attendance  records  of 
individual members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Sun Changji 

Bruce Douglas Moore 

Miao Jianmin 

Independent Director, Chairman of the third 
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
Independent Director, member of the third 
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
Non-executive Director, member of the third 
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

3/3 

3/3 

1/3 (Note 1) 

100%

100%

33%

Note 1:  At  the  third  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  held  on  6  April  2010 

and  the  fourth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  held  on  24  August 

2010, Mr. Miao Jianmin gave written authorization for Mr. Sun Changji to act as his proxy to attend and vote at the 

meetings.

 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

55

From the end of the year 2010 up to the Latest Practicable Date, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 
has convened 1 meeting. Attendance records of individual members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Sun Changji 

Bruce Douglas Moore 

Miao Jianmin 

Independent Director, chairman of the third
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 
Independent Director, member of the third
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 
Non-executive Director, member of the third
session of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 

1/1 

1/1 

1/1 

100%

100%

100%

2.  Performance of duties by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

In 2010, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee convened 3 meetings, and performed its relevant duties 
and  functions  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee 
Meetings”.  The  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  carefully  reviewed  the  skills,  knowledge  and 
experience  of  all  Directors,  members  of  Board  committees  and  senior  management  of  the  Company,  examined 
and  determined  the  remuneration  package  of  each  of  the  Executive  Directors  and  senior  management  officers, 
facilitated  the  signing  of  service  contracts  between  the  Company  and  each  of  the  Executive  Directors,  Non-
executive  Directors  and  Independent  Directors,  defined  the  rights,  obligations  and  status  of  Directors,  and 
appraised  the  performance  of  Directors  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  On  30  June  2010,  after  serving  as  an 
Independent  Director  of  the  Company  for  6  consecutive  years,  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi  retired  from  his  position  as  the 
Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  accordance  with  relevant  regulatory  requirements.  Pursuant  to  the 
Articles  of  Association  and  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  Meetings”, 
the  Nomination  and  Remuneration  Committee  considered  and  selected  candidates  for  Independent  Directors, 
examined  their  qualifications  and  the  independence  of  Independent  Director  candidates,  and  submitted  to 
the  Board  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the  Nomination  of  Anthony  Francis  Neoh  as  an  Independent  Director 
Candidate”. After such proposal was reviewed and approved by the sixth meeting of the third session of the Board, 
the  appointment  of  Anthony  Francis  Neoh  as  an  Independent  Director  of  the  Company  was  approved  at  the 
Annual General Meeting for the year 2009.

RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The  Company  established  its  Risk  Management  Committee  on  30  June  2003.  The  Risk  Management  Committee  is 
mainly  responsible  for  formulating  the  Company’s  system  of  risk  control  benchmarks,  assisting  the  management  in 
establishing and improving the Company’s internal control system, formulating the operational risk management policy 
of  the  Company,  reviewing  risk  and  internal  control  assessment  reports  in  relation  to  the  Company’s  operations,  and 
coordinating the handling of sudden and significant risks or crises.

 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

56

Corporate Governance

The  third  session  of  the  Risk  Management  Committee  comprised  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei,  an  Independent  Director,  Ms. 
Zhuang  Zuojin,  a  Non-executive  Director,  and  Ms.  Liu  Yingqi,  an  Executive  Director.  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei  was  the 
chairman  of  the  committee.  On  16  July  2010,  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the  Change  of  Composition  of  the  Board 
Committees”  was  reviewed  and  approved  at  the  sixth  ad  hoc  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board,  and  the  third 
session  of  the  Risk  Management  Committee  comprised  Mr.  Anthony  Francis  Neoh,  an  Independent  Director,  Ms. 
Zhuang Zuojin, a Non-executive Director, and Ms. Liu Yingqi, an Executive Director, with Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh 
acting as the chairman.

1.  Meetings and Attendance

In  2010,  the  Risk  Management  Committee  held  3  meetings.  Attendance  records  of  individual  members  are  as 
follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Ma Yongwei 

Anthony Francis Neoh 

Zhuang Zuojin 

Liu Yingqi 

Independent Director, chairman of the third
session of the Risk Management Committee (Note 1) 
Independent Director, chairman of the third
session of the Risk Management Committee (Note 1) 
Non-executive Director, member of the third
session of the Risk Management Committee 
Executive Director, member of the third session
of the Risk Management Committee 

1/1 

2/2 

3/3 

3/3 

100%

100%

100%

100%

Note 1:  Pursuant to the resolution passed at the sixth ad hoc meeting of the third session of the Board held on 16 July 2010, 

Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh acts as the chairman of the Risk Management Committee and Mr. Ma Yongwei ceased to 

be the chairman of the Risk Management Committee.

From the end of the year 2010 up to the Latest Practicable Date, the Risk Management Committee has convened 
1 meeting. Attendance records of individual members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Anthony Francis Neoh 

Zhuang Zuojin 

Liu Yingqi 

Independent Director, chairman of the third 
session of the Risk Management Committee
Non-executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Risk Management Committee
Executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Risk Management Committee

1/1 

1/1 

1/1 

100%

100%

100%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

57

2.  Performance of duties by the Risk Management Committee

In  2010,  the  Risk  Management  Committee  performed  its  duties  and  functions  in  strict  compliance  with  the 
“Procedural Rules for Risk Management Committee Meetings”. In order to fulfill its duties, the Risk Management 
Committee  conducted  site  visits  at  local  branches  of  the  Company  in  Shandong  and  Yunnan  Provinces  in 
May  and  December  2010,  examined  the  risk  management  measures  implemented  by  these  local  branches,  and 
compiled  investigation  reports  containing  advice  and  recommendations  in  relation  to  the  strengthening  of  risk 
management.  In  the  year  2010,  the  Risk  Management  Committee  convened  3  meetings  to  review  the  “Proposal 
on  the  Implementation  of  Recommendations  Made  by  China  Insurance  Regulatory  Commission  in  relation  to 
the  ‘Implementing  Guidelines  for  Comprehensive  Risk  Management  of  Personal  Insurance  Companies’”,  and 
discussed and approved the investigation reports on risk management.

STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT DECISION COMMITTEE
The  Company  established  the  Strategy  Committee  on  30  June  2003.  In  October  2010,  the  proposal  to  establish  the 
Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  on  the  basis  of  the  Strategy  Committee  was  reviewed  and  approved 
at  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board.  The  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  is  mainly 
responsible for the drawing-up of long-term development strategies and significant investment or financing plans of the 
Company,  proposing  significant  and  capital  intensive  projects  for  operating  assets,  and  conducting  studies  and  making 
recommendations on other important matters affecting the development of the Company.

The  third  session  of  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  comprised  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi,  an  Independent 
Director,  Mr.  Wan  Feng,  an  Executive  Director,  Mr.  Shi  Guoqing,  a  Non-executive  Director  and  Mr.  Lin  Dairen, 
an  Executive  Director.  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi  was  the  chairman  of  the  committee.  On  30  June  2010,  after  serving  as  an 
Independent  Director  of  the  Company  for  6  consecutive  years,  Mr.  Sun  Shuyi  retired  from  his  position  as  the 
Independent  Director  of  the  Company  in  accordance  with  relevant  regulatory  requirements.  On  16  July  2010,  the 
“Proposal  in  relation  to  the  Change  of  Composition  of  the  Board  Committees”  was  reviewed  and  approved  at  the 
sixth  ad  hoc  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board,  and  the  third  session  of  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision 
Committee  comprised  Mr.  Ma  Yongwei,  an  Independent  Director,  Mr.  Wan  Feng,  an  Executive  Director,  Mr.  Shi 
Guoqing,  a  Non-executive  Director,  Mr.  Lin  Dairen,  an  Executive  Director,  and  Mr.  Anthony  Francis  Neoh,  an 
Independent Director, with Mr. Ma Yongwei acting as the chairman.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

58

Corporate Governance

1.  Meetings and Attendance

In  2010,  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  held  2  meetings.  Attendance  records  of  individual 
members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Ma Yongwei 

Wan Feng 

Shi Guoqing 

Lin Dairen 

Anthony Francis Neoh 

Independent Director, chairman of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Non-executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Independent Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

From the end of the year 2010 up to the Latest Practicable Date, the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee 
has convened 1 meeting. Attendance records of individual members are as follows:

Name of member  

Position  

Number of 
 meetings attended 

Attendance
 rate 

Ma Yongwei 

Wan Feng 

Shi Guoqing 

Lin Dairen 

Anthony Francis Neoh 

Independent Director, chairman of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Non-executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Executive Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee
Independent Director, member of the third  
session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee

–(Note 1) 

1/1 

1/1 

1/1 

1/1 

–

100%

100%

100%

100%

Note 1: 

 At the third meeting of the third session of the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee held on 21 March 2011, 

Mr. Ma Yongwei gave written authorization for Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh to act as his proxy to attend and vote at 

the meeting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Corporate Governance

59

2.  Performance of duties by the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee

In 2010, the Strategy and Investment Decision Committee performed its duties and functions in strict compliance 
with  the  “Procedural  Rules  for  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  Meetings”.  In  October  2010,  the 
proposal  to  establish  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  on  the  basis  of  the  Strategy  Committee 
was  reviewed  and  approved  at  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Board  pursuant  to  the  “Provisional 
Measures for the Administration of Utilization of Insurance Funds” issued by the CIRC, and the requirements of 
the  “Provisional  Measures  for  Equity  Investment  with  Insurance  Funds”  and  the  “Provisional  Measures  for  Real 
Estate  Investment  with  Insurance  Funds”  for  the  purposes  of  strengthening  the  utilization  and  management  of 
insurance  funds.  In  2010,  the  Strategy  and  Investment  Decision  Committee  held  2  meetings  and  reviewed  such 
matters  as  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the  Provisional  Measures  for  the  Administration  of  Investment  of  China 
Life  Insurance  Company  Limited”,  the  “Proposal  on  the  Capital  Injection  into  China  Life  Property  &  Casualty 
Insurance  Company  Limited”,  and  the  “Proposal  on  the  commencement  of  Investment  to  Equity  Investment 
Funds”, which provided strong support for the strategy and investment decision of the Board.

INTERNAL CONTROL
The  Company  has  always  devoted  significant  effort  towards  the  promotion  of  internal  control  and  the  establishment 
of  internal  control  related  systems.  In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  “Standard  Regulations  on  Corporate 
Internal  Control”,  the  “Guidance  on  Internal  Control  for  companies  listed  on  the  Shanghai  Stock  Exchange”,  the 
Listing Rules, and the “Provisional Appraisal Standards for the Internal Control of Insurance Companies” issued by the 
CIRC,  the  Company  has  committed  substantial  resources  to  build  its  internal  control  system,  its  implementation  plan 
and  its  risk  management  protocol  into  its  corporate  governance  structure.  The  Company  also  formulated  and  issued 
the  “Internal  Control  Manual  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  (2010  Edition)”  to  further  supplement  and 
improve internal control standards and its implementation, strengthen internal control assessments, and actively promote 
the culture and philosophy of internal control, thereby enhancing the internal control of the Company.

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  “Notice  on  the  Proper  Preparation  of  2010  Listed  Company  Annual  Reports” 
promulgated by the SSE, the Company shall release an Internal Control Self-assessment Report simultaneously with the 
publication of its 2010 annual report. The Company, as an overseas private issuer, was required to provide an assessment 
report  on  specific  issues  concerning  its  internal  control  system  relating  to  financial  reporting  for  the  year  ended  31 
December  2010  in  its  Form  20-F  submitted  to  the  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchanges  Commission  (SEC)  (U.S.  Annual 
Report)  in  accordance  with  Section  404  of  the  U.S.  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act.  In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  laws 
and regulations relating to internal control at the Company’s listed jurisdictions and as response to the requirements of 
Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the SSE, the Company has completed internal control self-assessments 
for the period ended 31 December 2010 and confirmed that its internal controls were effective. The Company had also 
received  from  its  independent  auditors  an  unqualified  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  its  internal  control  in  relation  to 
financial reporting on 31 December 2010. The Company’s assessment report and the report of its independent auditors 
will be included as an attachment to its annual report submitted to the SSE and its Form 20-F submitted to the SEC.

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The Board and the Audit Committee are responsible for providing leadership for the implementation of internal control 
measures  of  the  Company,  and  the  Supervisory  Committee  supervises  the  internal  control  assessments  made  by  the 
Board.  The  Company  has  established  Internal  Control  and  Risk  Management  Departments  and  Internal  Control  and 
Compliance  Departments  in  its  headquarters  and  branches.  The  Company  also  conducts  tests  on  the  management 
level,  assessing  the  effectiveness  of  relevant  established  and  implemented  internal  control  systems  in  accordance  with 
the requirements of the PRC regulations and Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and reports the same to the 
Board,  the  Audit  Committee  and  management.  In  compliance  with  regulatory  requirements  and  having  considered  the 
characteristics  of  its  business  and  management  requirements,  the  Company  established  and  implemented  a  series  of 
internal control measures and procedures with respect to currency and funds, insurance operations, foreign investments, 
physical assets, information technology, financial reporting and information disclosure to ensure the safety and integrity 
of  its  assets,  complied  with  relevant  PRC  laws  and  regulations  and  the  internal  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Company, 
while at the same time improving the quality of accounting data.

A relatively well-developed internal control system has been established in terms of team-building, sales and operations, 
and  systems  management  for  the  sales  channels  of  products  such  as  individual  insurance,  group  insurance,  health 
insurance,  provincial  insurance  and  bancassurance.  This  internal  control  system  regulates  the  relevant  administrative 
rights and operational workflows, and effectively controls the measures used to guard against and manage risks relating to 
the operation of exclusive agents. The Company has issued clear regulations for the workflows and administrative rights 
relating to the verification of insurance policies, insurance claims, and the safe custody of documents. The Company has 
also  defined  business  operation  standards  and  service  quality  standards,  developed  systems  of  business,  document  and 
files  management,  and  further  regulated  the  management  of  business  approval  authority  to  strengthen  its  control  over 
business risk and improve the quality of its services.

The  Company  established  transparent  and  standardized  investment  decision-making  procedures  and  procedural  rules 
to ensure that insurance funds are applied in a safe manner. The Company has set up a dedicated Investment Decisions 
Committee with its own procedural rules for meetings. Any investment plans of entrusted funds and direct investment 
plans  of  the  Company  are  implemented  only  after  receiving  approval  from  the  Investment  Decisions  Committee. 
This  ensures  that  all  investment  decisions  are  in  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  PRC  laws,  regulations  and 
administrative rules, and also take into consideration the balance between assets and liabilities of the Company.

The  Company  through  perfecting  the  organizational  structure  of  its  research  center  and  data  center,  has  established 
a  well-developed  project  management  and  operation  system.  The  establishment  of  a  comprehensive  information 
technology  system  formed  a  centralized  management  and  control  mechanism  with  uniform  distribution,  review  and 
inspection.  Further,  the  formulation  of  an  information  safety  mechanism  plan  has  promoted  the  construction  of 
an  information  safety  system.  The  Company  has  also  formulated  a  series  of  effective  internal  control  structures  and 
measures in the course of system development and testing and day-to-day operation and management, and continues to 
make improvements in response to actual operational demands.

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The  Sales  Supervision  Department,  Internal  Control  and  Risk  Management  Department,  Audit  Department,  and 
Supervision Department of the Company are responsible for overseeing the implementation of its internal control. The 
Sales  Supervision  Department  supervises  and  inspects  every  aspect  of  the  sales  process  through  sales  pre-warnings  and 
risk  monitoring;  the  Internal  Control  and  Risk  Management  Department  identifies  issues  with  systems  design,  control 
implementation, and risk management in a timely manner through the adoption of various measures such as assessments 
at  the  Company  level,  testing  at  the  workflow  level  and  risk  analyses.  It  also  plugs  loopholes,  guards  against  risks  and 
reduces loss by employing measures such as improving systems, strengthening legal compliance and pursuing responsible 
parties.  The  Audit  Department  and  Supervision  Department  conduct  re-assessments  on  risk  management  and  internal 
control compliance through various auditing and monitoring activities and the personnel violating such regulations and 
disciplines will be attributed proper responsibility.

1.  Progress on the self-assessment of internal supervision and control

A  Professionals’  Committee  has  been  established  under  the  Board.  It  works  together  with  the  Company’s 
management to review and discuss information disclosure mechanisms and procedures, as well as internal control 
mechanisms  relating  to  financial  reporting,  to  ensure  that  the  management  has  fulfilled  its  duties  in  relation  to 
mechanisms  and  procedures  it  regards  as  effective.  The  Professionals’  Committee  also  monitors  and  examines 
the  Company’s  financial  control,  information  disclosure  mechanisms  and  procedures,  internal  control  and 
risk  management  systems.  The  Board  also  reviews  the  Company’s  internal  control  self-assessment  reports,  risk 
assessment reports and compliance reports annually.

In  accordance  with  the  requirements  laid  down  by  the  provisions  of  the  “Standard  Regulations  on  Corporate 
Internal  Control”  jointly  issued  by  5  ministries  including  the  Ministry  of  Finance,  the  “Provisional  Appraisal 
Standards  for  the  Internal  Control  of  Insurance  Companies”  issued  by  the  CIRC  and  Section  404  of  the  U.S. 
Sarbanes-Oxley  Act,  the  Company  conducted  comprehensive  self-assessments  of  its  internal  controls.  In  addition 
to  conducting  supervisions  and  checks  in  accordance  with  the  abovementioned  external  regulatory  requirements, 
the  Internal  Control  and  Risk  Management  Department  of  the  Company  utilized  various  methods  to  supervise 
and  monitor  the  internal  control  of  several  of  the  Company’s  workflows,  ensuring  thorough  implementation  of 
its  internal  control  mechanism.  Every  year,  the  Audit  Department  and  its  related  departments  independently 
and  jointly  conduct  various  kinds  of  audits,  accounting  and  basic  accounting  appraisals  such  as  economic 
liability  audits,  financial  revenue  and  expenditure  audits  and  key  investment  audits.  This  is  beneficial  to  further 
safeguarding  the  thorough  implementation  of  the  regulations  and  systems  of  the  Company,  reducing  operational 
risk  exposure,  strengthening  internal  control,  optimizing  resource  allocation  and  improving  the  operational 
management of the Company.

The  Company  has  specifically  formulated  regulations  with  respect  to  the  report,  investigation,  handling  of  and 
responsibility  attribution  for  cases  involving  any  breach  of  laws,  discipline  and  regulations  by  employees,  such 
being implemented by the Supervision Department. This ensures that cases involving any breach of laws, discipline 
and  regulations  by  employees  are  dealt  with  in  a  timely  manner,  and  that  personnel  involved  will  be  attributed 
proper responsibility.

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2.  Defects in internal control and improvements

The  Company  has  established  a  workflow  called  “evaluate-defect  discovery-improve-cross-check”,  which  when 
combined with the implementation of its defect improvement, follow-up, inspection and responsibility attribution 
system, ensures that once a defect is identified in its internal control system, swift improvement measures, follow-
up  arrangements  and  cross-checks  will  be  made.  The  Company  conducted  a  self-assessment  on  internal  control 
relating to its financial reporting functions, and no material defect was found in the design and implementation of 
its internal control during the Reporting Period.

3.  Work plan for a well-established internal control system and its implementation proposal

The  “Standard  Regulations  on  Corporate  Internal  Control”  and  the  “Implementation  Guidelines  for  Corporate 
Internal  Control”  have  been  applied  to  the  Company  since  1  January  2011.  To  ensure  the  compliance  with  the 
above regulations and guidelines, the Company launched a compliance preparation project in the fourth quarter of 
2010 by formulating the “Measures for the Administration of Internal Control of China Life Insurance Company 
Limited”  as  the  framework  for  the  management  of  its  internal  control  system,  defining  the  responsibilities  and 
work allocation of the Company’s employees and units at all levels in its internal control system, and clarifying the 
key tasks for the management of its internal control. The Company has also checked the existing internal control 
system against the regulatory requirements mentioned above, so as to ensure that the Company’s internal control 
design  meets  the  relevant  regulatory  requirements.  The  Company  comprehensively  reorganized  its  workflow 
for  internal  control,  supplemented  its  internal  control  measures  for  non-financial  reporting  and  compiled  the 
“Internal Control Manual (2011 Edition)”.

In  2011,  the  Company  planned  to  further  improve  its  internal  control  system  by  implementing  the  internal 
control  standards  and  carrying  out  a  comprehensive  internal  control  evaluation  so  as  to  satisfy  the  regulatory 
requirements  of  the  “Standard  Regulations  on  Corporate  Internal  Control”  and  the  “Implementation  Guidelines 
for  Corporate  Internal  Control”.  Through  a  series  of  steps  for  implementation  of  the  internal  control  standards 
(including  analysis  of  measures,  training  courses,  execution  of  undertaking  letters,  examination  of  relevant 
knowledge,  comparison  and  implementation,  and  quality  check),  employees  of  the  Company  will  be  urged  to 
learn,  understand  and  implement  the  specific  control  requirements  contained  in  the  “Internal  Control  Manual 
(2011  Edition)”.  On  this  basis,  the  internal  control  departments  at  all  levels  will  carry  out  the  comprehensive 
internal  control  evaluation,  and  conduct  an  internal  control  assessment  on  the  key  control  measures  taken  by 
companies  at  all  levels,  including  headquarters,  provincial  and  local  branches,  by  ways  of  walk-through  test, 
control  test  and  survey.  Having  considered  the  complexity  of  the  internal  control  evaluation  for  non-financial 
reports, the Company’s headquarters will work out a model for internal control evaluation to be used by its branch 
companies on a trial basis.

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4.  Risk management

The  Company  established  a  well-developed  organizational  structure  of  risk  management  and  internal  control, 
properly defining the relevant duties and functions at different levels. The Board has set up the Risk Management 
Committee and the Audit Committee, while the President’s Office of the Company has set up several functional 
departments,  such  as  the  Internal  Control  and  Risk  Management  Committee,  the  Internal  Control  and  Risk 
Management  Department,  the  Sales  Supervision  Department,  the  Audit  Department,  the  Legal  and  Compliance 
Department,  and  the  Supervision  Department.  Provincial  branches  have  also  set  up  Internal  Control  and  Risk 
Management  Committees,  Internal  Control  and  Compliance  Departments,  Sales  Supervision  Departments,  and 
Supervision Departments. In addition, the Company has completed the six-zone strategic layout of the Company’s 
audit centers.

The  Company  implemented  the  “Implementing  Guidelines  for  Comprehensive  Risk  Management  of  Life 
Insurance  Companies”  issued  by  the  CIRC,  conducted  a  comprehensive  analysis  on  new  regulatory  requirements 
and  formulated  work  plans  for  complying  with  all  requirements,  all  of  which  have  been  reviewed  and  approved 
at the fourth meeting of the third session of the Risk Management Committee, and a report on specific issues has 
been submitted to the Board. In 2011, the Company will step up its efforts to promote risk management, improve 
the workflows for risk management system, establish a sophisticated risk responsibility attribution system, develop 
a risk preference system, and conduct risk identification and evaluation according to the relevant requirements.

For an analysis of the major risk factors of the Company, please refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements of this annual report.

INDEPENDENCE OF THE COMPANY FROM ITS CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER
Employees:  The  Company  is  independent  in  the  aspects  of  employment,  human  resources  and  compensation 
management.

Assets:  The  Company  owns  all  assets  relating  to  the  operation  of  its  principal  business.  At  present,  the  Company  does 
not provide any guarantee for its shareholders. The Company’s assets are independent, complete, and independent of the 
shareholders of the Company and its related parties.

Finance: The Company has established a separate financial department, and an independent financial accounting system 
and  financial  management  system;  further,  the  Company  makes  financial  decisions  on  its  own;  it  employs  separate 
financial personnel, opens separate accounts with banks and does not share bank accounts with CLIC; the Company, as a 
separate taxpayer, pays taxes individually according to laws.

Organization: The Company has established a well-developed organizational system, under which internal bodies such as 
the Board and the Supervisory Committee operate separately. There is no subordinate relationship between such internal 
bodies and the functional departments of the Company’s controlling shareholder.

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Corporate Governance

Business  operations:  The  Company  independently  develops  its  business,  including  its  life  insurance,  accident  and 
injury  insurance  and  health  insurance  businesses,  reinsurance  relating  to  the  aforesaid,  use  of  funds  approved  by  the 
government and regulatory authorities, as well as its agency business, consulting business and the provision of services in 
relation to personal injury insurance. The Company currently possesses the “Insurance Company Legal Person Permit” 
(Number:  000005)  issued  by  the  CIRC.  The  Company  is  independently  engaged  in  the  businesses  as  prescribed  in  its 
business scope according to law, has separate sales and agency channels and is licensed to use licensed trademarks without 
consideration. The completeness and independence of the Company’s business operations will not be adversely affected 
by its relationship with related parties.

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND INCENTIVES FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The  Company  implements  a  term-of-service  and  target-related  responsibility  system  for  senior  management.  At  the 
beginning of each year, a performance target contract will be entered into between the Chairman and the President, the 
President and the Vice Presidents, and the President’s Office and the senior management of branches of the Company. 
The  performance  target  contract  system  is  an  important  tool  in  analyzing  the  strategic  goals  of  the  Company  in  a 
scientific  manner,  which  is  conducive  towards  the  breakdown  of  targets  and  transmission  of  responsibility,  enhancing 
the  efficiency  of  the  Company  and  ensuring  the  successful  completion  of  its  annual  business  targets.  The  performance 
appraisal  criteria  listed  in  the  individual  performance  target  contracts  of  senior  management  are  partially  linked  to  the 
business  targets  of  the  Company  and  partially  formulated  with  reference  to  the  duties  and  functions  of  their  respective 
positions.

The Company has established a remuneration and incentive system with reference to an individual employee’s position, 
the  Company’s  results  and  market  conditions.  The  remuneration  for  senior  management  comprises  basic  salary, 
performance compensation, welfare benefits and medium and long term incentives.

SHAREHOLDERS’ INTERESTS
To  safeguard  shareholders’  interests,  in  addition  to  the  right  to  participate  in  the  Company’s  affairs  by  attending 
Shareholders’  General  Meetings,  shareholders  have  the  right  to  convene  extraordinary  Shareholders’  General  Meetings 
under certain circumstances.

If  the  number  of  Directors  falls  below  the  minimum  requirements,  the  losses  incurred  reaches  one-third  of  the 
Company’s  total  share  capital,  or  if  the  Board  or  the  Supervisory  Committee  deems  necessary,  or  where  shareholders 
holding 10% or more shares of the Company make a requisition, the Board shall convene an extraordinary Shareholders’ 
General  Meeting  within  two  months.  Where  shareholders  holding  10%  or  more  shares  request  an  extraordinary 
Shareholders’ General Meeting, such shareholders shall make a request in writing to the Board with a clear agenda. The 
Board shall, upon receipt of such a written request, convene a meeting as soon as possible. If the Board fails to convene 
a  meeting  within  30  days  of  the  receipt  of  such  a  written  request,  shareholders  making  such  a  request  may  convene  a 
meeting  by  themselves  at  the  cost  of  the  Company  within  four  months  of  the  receipt  by  the  Board  of  such  a  written 
request.

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Corporate Governance

65

Shareholders  may  put  forward  enquiries  to  the  Board  through  the  Company  Secretary  or  the  Board  Secretary,  or  put 
forward proposals at Shareholders’ General Meetings through their proxies. The Company has made available its contact 
details in its correspondence with shareholders to enable such enquiries or proposals to be properly directed.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND INVESTOR RELATIONS
The  Company  has  established  a  well-developed  and  practical  information  disclosure  system  in  strict  compliance  with 
the  laws  and  regulatory  rules  of  its  listed  jurisdictions  so  as  to  ensure  that  domestic  and  overseas  investors  obtain  true, 
accurate  and  complete  information.  The  Company  has  proactively  developed  investor  relations  and  strengthened  its 
contact  and  communication  with  domestic  and  overseas  investors  through  innovative  work  models,  which  enabled 
domestic and overseas investors to understand the business operations of the Company in a timely manner.

In 2010, the Company has continued to strengthen the construction of its information disclosure system and implement 
all  regulatory  requirements  relating  to  information  disclosure  in  a  practical  manner:  in  accordance  with  the  “Measures 
for  the  Administration  of  Information  Disclosure  of  Insurance  Companies”  issued  by  the  CIRC,  the  Company 
formulated  the  “Detailed  Rules  for  the  Implementation  of  the  ‘Measures  for  the  Administration  of  Information 
Disclosure of Insurance Companies’” to improve the framework and content of the public disclosure of information on 
the  Company’s  website;  in  accordance  with  the  relevant  requirements  of  the  CSRC,  the  Company  made  amendments 
to the “Regulations for the Administration of Information Disclosure” and the “Internal Reporting System for Material 
Information” in a timely manner, organized regular training courses in relation to information disclosure involving the 
Company and its connected entities and improved its internal information communication system so as to continuously 
enhance the quality of its information disclosure.

In  2010,  as  a  result  of  the  Company’s  change  of  accounting  policies  for  its  onshore  financial  report  and  its  first-time 
adoption  of  the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  for  its  offshore  financial  report,  the  Company  issued  a 
series of ad hoc announcements for the implementation of the “No.2 Interpretation of Accounting Standard for Business 
Enterprises”  and  other  relevant  requirements,  through  which  investors  can  obtain  relevant  information  in  a  timely 
manner. The Company also effectively consolidated the framework and content of A Share and H Share annual reports 
and  interim  reports  to  ensure  consistent  information  disclosure  in  both  onshore  and  offshore  reports,  thus  enhancing 
the quality of information disclosure in periodic reports. The carrying out of such substantial and effective information 
disclosure measures has laid down a sound foundation for the continuous improvement of information disclosure of the 
Company in future.

In  2010,  the  Company  has  continuously  improved  and  strengthened  investor  relations,  which  mainly  includes  holding 
the  Annual  General  Meeting,  holding  results  release  conferences,  embarking  on  global  non-deal  roadshows,  meeting 
and  holding  conference  calls  with  investors  and  investment  analysts,  organizing  the  Corporate  Open  Day,  attending 
investors’  meetings,  upgrading  the  layout  of  its  investor  relations  website,  updating  and  posting  information  on  its 
investor  relations  website  in  a  timely  manner,  establishing  an  investor  relations  hotline  and  an  exclusive  electronic 
mailbox to ensure timely replies to any enquiries made by investors and investment analysts.

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Corporate Governance

In 2010, the Company communicated with more than 2,700 investors and analysts through different channels, including 
the reception at the Company of more than 220 groups of investors and analysts consisting of more than 800 individuals 
in total, communicating with more than 650 investors by participating in 22 investors’ meetings held locally or overseas, 
inviting about 50 local and overseas investors and analysts to attend its Corporate Open Day, and meeting and visiting 
720  investors  in  the  results  release  conference  and  roadshows.  In  addition,  the  Company  kept  in  close  contact  with 
investors’  groups  by  phone  and  email,  communicated  through  more  than  1,500  emails  with  investors’  groups,  and 
answered and replied more than 2,000 calls and electronic mail.

In  2010,  Ms.  Liu  Yingqi,  Vice  President  and  Board  Secretary  of  the  Company,  was  awarded  the  “Best  Board  Secretary 
for  the  Management  of  Investor  Relations”  and  the  Company’s  website  was  awarded  the  “Best  Information  Disclosure 
Website  of  Listed  Companies”  in  the  “Most  Popular  Investor  Relations  Interactive  Platform  in  China  Awards”  by 
the  Securities  Times.  Ms.  Liu  Yingqi,  Vice  President  and  Board  Secretary  of  the  Company,  was  also  awarded  the 
“Golden Governance – Prize for the Board Secretary who Gives Continuous Rewards to the Company” in the “Golden 
Governance – Outstanding Board Secretary of Listed Companies Awards” by Shanghai Securities News.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of the Board of Directors

67

From left to right:
Ms. Liu Yingqi, 
Mr. Anthony Francis Neoh, 
Mr. Sun Changji, 
Ms. Zhuang Zuojin, 
Mr. Wan Feng, 
Mr. Yang Chao, 
Mr. Miao Jianmin, 
Mr. Shi Guoqing, 
Mr. Ma Yongwei, 
Mr. Bruce Douglas Moore, 
Mr. Lin Dairen

1.  PRINCIPAL BUSINESS

The  Company  is  the  largest  life  insurance  company  in  China’s  life  insurance  market  and  possesses  the  most 
extensive  distribution  network  in  China,  comprising  exclusive  agents,  direct  sales  representatives  as  well  as 
dedicated and non-dedicated agencies. The Company provides products and services such as individual and group 
life insurance, accident and health insurance. The Company is one of the largest institutional investors in China, 
and  is  China’s  largest  insurance  asset  management  company  through  its  controlling  shareholding  in  China  Life 
Asset  Management  Company  Limited.  The  Company  also  has  controlling  shareholding  in  China  Life  Pension 
Company Limited.

2.  MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For an analysis of the Company’s operating and financial results, please refer to the section headed “Management 
Discussion and Analysis” in this annual report.

3.  DETAILS OF ANY PROFIT DISTRIBUTION PLAN OR PUBLIC RESERVES 

CAPITALIZATION PLAN
In accordance with the profit distribution plan approved by the Board on 22 March 2011, after the appropriation 
to  its  discretionary  surplus  reserve  fund  of  RMB3,368  million  (10%  of  the  net  profit  for  2010),  the  Company, 
based on 28,264,705,000 shares in issue, proposed to distribute cash dividends amounting to RMB11,306 million 
to  all  shareholders  of  the  Company  at  RMB0.40  per  share.  The  foregoing  profit  distribution  plan  is  to  take 
effect after approval by the Annual General Meeting to be held on 3 June 2011 (Friday). Domestic shareholders’ 
dividends  are  declared,  valued  and  paid  in  RMB.  Dividends  payable  to  shareholders  of  the  Company’s  foreign-
listed  shares  are  declared  and  valued  in  RMB  and  paid  in  the  currency  of  the  jurisdiction  in  which  the  foreign-
listed  shares  are  listed  (if  the  Company  is  listed  in  more  than  one  jurisdiction,  dividends  shall  be  paid  in  the 
currency of the Company’s principal jurisdiction of listing as determined by the Board). The Company shall pay 
dividends to shareholders of foreign-listed shares in conformity with PRC regulations on foreign exchange control. 
If  no  such  regulations  are  in  place,  the  applicable  exchange  rate  is  the  average  exchange  rate  published  by  the 
People’s Bank of China one week before the declaration of the distribution of dividends or other payments.

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68

Report of the Board of Directors

For the purposes of distributing after-tax profits, unless otherwise required by regulatory authorities, the relevant 
amount  of  after-tax  profits  shall  be  the  lesser  of:  firstly,  such  amount  as  appeared  in  the  financial  statements 
prepared  in  accordance  with  China  Accounting  Standards  for  Business  Enterprises;  and  secondly,  such  amount 
as  appeared  in  the  financial  statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  financial  reporting  standards  of  the 
Company’s offshore listed jurisdictions.

No public reserve capitalization is provided for in the profit distribution plan for the current financial year.

4.  RESERVES

Details  of  the  reserves  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  the  section  headed  “Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements” in this annual report.

5.  CHARITABLE DONATIONS

The total amount of charitable donations made by the Company and its subsidiaries for the Reporting Period was 
RMB56.75 million.

6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Details  of  the  movement  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  the  section  headed 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in this annual report.

7. 

SHARE CAPITAL
Details of movement in share capital of the Company are set out in the section headed “Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements” in this annual report.

8.  BANK BORROWINGS

As at the end of the Reporting Period, the Company did not have any bank borrowings.

9. 

INFORMATION OF TAX DEDUCTION
Main  items  for  tax  deduction  while  calculating  the  2010  enterprise  income  tax  payable  by  the  Company  are  as 
follows:

Interest income received from government bonds: 
Dividend income from funds: 

RMB6,808 million
RMB4,013 million

10.  PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES

During the Reporting Period, the Company and its subsidiaries have not purchased, sold or redeemed any of the 
Company’s listed securities.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of the Board of Directors

69

11.  H SHARE STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

No  H  Share  Stock  Appreciation  Rights  of  the  Company  were  granted  or  exercised  in  2010.  The  Company  will 
deal with such rights and related matters in accordance with PRC governmental policy.

12.  DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD

Details of Board meetings, implementation by the Board of resolutions passed at Shareholders’ General Meetings 
and the Board’s performance of its duties during the Reporting Period are set out in the section headed “Corporate 
Governance” in this annual report.

13.  DIRECTORS’ AND SUPERVISORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS

None  of  the  Directors  or  Supervisors  has  entered  into  any  service  contract  with  the  Company  that  are  not 
terminable within one year or can only be terminated by the Company with payment of compensation (other than 
statutory compensation).

14.  DIRECTORS’ AND SUPERVISORS’ INTERESTS IN MATERIAL CONTRACTS

None  of  the  Directors  or  Supervisors  is  or  was  materially  interested,  directly  or  indirectly,  in  any  contracts  of 
significance entered into by the Company or its controlling shareholders or any of their respective subsidiaries at 
any time during the Reporting Period.

15.  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.

16.  DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORS’ AND SUPERVISORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES

As at the end of the Reporting Period, none of the Directors or Supervisors had any interests or short positions in 
the  shares,  underlying  shares  and  debentures  of  the  Company  or  its  associated  corporations  (within  the  meaning 
of  Part  XV  of  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 HKSE pursuant to the 
Model  Code  for  Securities  Transactions  by  Directors  of  Listed  Issuers  (the  Model  Code)  as  set  out  in  Appendix 
10 to the Listing Rules. In addition, the Board has created a Code of Conduct in relation to the sale and purchase 
of the Company’s securities by Directors and Supervisors, which is no less stringent than the Model Code. Upon 
specific  inquiry  by  the  Company,  the  Directors  and  Supervisors  have  confirmed  observation  of  the  Model  Code 
and the Company’s own Code of Conduct in the year of 2010.

17.  PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS AND ARRANGEMENTS ON OPTIONS OF SHARES

According to the Articles of Association and 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 for options on shares.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

70

Report of the Board of Directors

18.  MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

No  management  or  administration  contracts  for  the  whole  or  substantial  part  of  any  business  of  the  Company 
were entered into during the Reporting Period.

19.  MATERIAL GUARANTEES

Independent  Directors  of  the  Company  have  rendered  their  independent  opinions  on  the  Company’s  external 
guarantees, and are of the view that:

(1) 

during the Reporting Period, the Company did not provide any external guarantee;

(2) 

the  Company’s  internal  control  system  regarding  external  guarantees  complied  with  laws,  regulations, 
and  the  requirements  under  the  “Notice  in  relation  to  the  standardization  of  capital  flows  between 
Listed  Companies  and  Connected  Parties  and  Issues  in  relation  to  External  Guarantees  granted  by  Listed 
Companies”; and

(3) 

the  Company  has  expressly  provided  in  its  Articles  of  Association  the  level  of  authority  required  for 
approving external guarantees and the approval procedures.

20.  BOARD’S STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL

In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  “Standard  Regulations  on  Corporate  Internal  Control”,  the  Board 
conducted  an  assessment  on  internal  control  relating  to  the  Company’s  financial  reporting  functions,  and 
confirmed that its internal control was effective as at 31 December 2010.

21.  MAJOR CUSTOMERS

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  gross  written  premiums  received  from  the  Company’s  five  largest  customers 
accounted  for  less  than  30%  of  the  Company’s  gross  written  premiums  for  the  year.  None  of  the  Directors  of 
the  Company  or  any  of  their  associates  or  any  shareholders  (which  to  the  best  knowledge  of  the  Directors,  has 
more  than  5%  of  the  Company’s  issued  share  capital)  had  any  beneficial  interest  in  the  Company’s  five  largest 
customers.

22.  SUFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC FLOAT

Based  on  the  information  that  is  publicly  available  to  the  Company  and  within  the  knowledge  of  the  Directors 
as at the Latest Practicable Date (22 March 2011), not less than 25% of the issued share capital of the Company 
(being the minimum public float applicable to the shares of the Company) was held in public hands.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of the Board of Directors

71

23.  COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

None  of  the  Directors  of  the  Company  are  aware  of  any  information  that  would  reasonably  indicate  that  the 
Company  did  not  meet  the  applicable  code  provisions  under  the  Code  on  Corporate  Governance  Practices 
contained  in  Appendix  14  to  the  Listing  Rules  during  the  Reporting  Period.  Details  are  set  out  in  the  section 
headed “Corporate Governance” in this annual report.

24.  AUDITORS

Resolutions  were  passed  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  for  the  year  2009  to  engage  PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Zhong  Tian  Certified  Public  Accountants  Limited  Company  and  PricewaterhouseCoopers  as  the  PRC  and 
international  auditors  to  the  Company  in  2010.  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian  Certified  Public 
Accountants Limited Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers have been the Company’s auditors for 8 consecutive 
years.

Remuneration  paid  by  the  Company  to  the  auditors  is  approved  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting,  pursuant  to 
which  the  Board  is  authorized  to  determine  the  amount  and  make  payment.  Audit  fees  paid  by  the  Company  to 
the auditors will not affect the independence of the auditors.

Remuneration paid by the Company to the auditors in 2010 was as follows:

Service/Nature 

Audit and audit-related services 

Fees (RMB millions)

63.90

A resolution for the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the international auditor and PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Zhong Tian Certified Public Accountants Limited Company as the PRC auditor of the Company will be proposed 
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting for the year 2010 to be held on 3 June 2011.

By Order of the Board
Yang Chao
Chairman

Beijing, China
22 March 2011

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

72

Report of the Supervisory Committee

From left to right:
Mr. Wang Xu
Mr. Shi Xiangming
Ms. Xia Zhihua
Mr. Tian Hui
Ms. Yang Hong

1.  MEETINGS CONVENED BY THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE

Date 

Issues Discussed

26 February 2010
The Fifth Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

7 April 2010
The Sixth Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
Change  of  Accounting  Policies  for  Onshore  Financial 
Reports  and  the  Adoption  of  the  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards for Offshore Financial Reports”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
amendments  to  the  ‘Regulations  for  the  Administration  of 
Information  Disclosure  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company 
Limited’  and  the  ‘Internal  Reporting  System  for  Material 
Information of China Life Insurance Company Limited’”
Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to relevant 
recommendations  made  at  the  second  meeting  of  the  third 
session of the Risk Management Committee”
Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to the 2009 
Work  Summary  and  the  2010  Workplan  of  the  Supervisory 
Committee”

Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to Actuarial 
Policies, Assumptions and Effects”
Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to the 2009 
Financial Report”
Reviewed and approved the “2009 Annual Report” (A Share/
H Share)
Reviewed and approved the “2009 Report of the Supervisory 
Committee” and the submission of the same for the approval 
at the Shareholders’ General Meeting
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
‘2009  Supervisory  Committee’s  Performance  of  Duties 
Report’”

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of the Supervisory Committee

73

Date 

Issues Discussed

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to the 2009 
Profit Distribution Plan”
Reviewed and approved the “Proposal in relation to the ‘Self-
evaluation  Report  of  the  Board  regarding  the  Company’s 
Internal Control Systems’”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
‘2009  Self-evaluation  Report  on  the  Company’s  Internal 
Control Systems’”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to 
the  ‘2009  Report  on  Connected  Transactions  and  the 
implementation of the Connected Transactions Management 
System’”

10.  Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to 
the  ‘Review  of  the  2009  Audit  Report  of  Connected 
Transactions’”

1. 
2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 
2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

Reviewed and approved the “2010 First Quarter Report”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
‘2009 Compliance Report’”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
‘2009 Risk Assessment Report’”

Reviewed  and  approved  the  “2010  A  Share  Interim  Report” 
and the “2010 H Share Interim Report”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
Solvency Report for the First Half of 2010”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
Submission of Internal Audit for Approval”

Reviewed and approved the “2010 Third Quarter Report”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
Corporate  Governance  –  Outline  for  the  Workflow  of  the 
Supervisory Committee’s Performance of Duties”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Proposal  in  relation  to  the 
Supervisory Committee Investigation Report on Tianjin and 
Xinjiang”

Reviewed  and  approved  the  “Report  on  the  Implementation 
of  Recommendations  Made  by  China  Insurance  Regulatory 
Commission  in  relation  to  the  ‘Implementing  Guidelines 
for  Comprehensive  Risk  Management  of  Life  Insurance 
Companies’”
Reviewed  and  approved  the  “2010  Work  Summary  of  the 
Supervisory Committee”

28 April 2010
The Seventh Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

25 August 2010
The Eighth Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

28 October 2010
The Ninth Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

20 December 2010
The Tenth Meeting of the Third Session
of the Supervisory Committee

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

74

Report of the Supervisory Committee

2.  ACTIVITIES OF THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE

1. 

Conducting  a  research  study  on  the  performance  by  the  Supervisory  Committee  of  its  duties  to  further 
strengthen  functions.  According  to  the  2010  Workplan  of  the  Supervisory  Committee,  a  research  study 
on  “Corporate  Governance  –  Outline  for  the  Workflow  of  the  Supervisory  Committee’s  Performance  of 
Duties” (hereinafter referred to as the “Outline”) was one of the work focus of the Supervisory Committee 
in  2010.  In  order  to  actively  move  it  forward,  the  Supervisory  Committee  established  a  study  group  to 
draw up a plan for the research study and make arrangement for work allocation, and further included such 
research study as a key research study project of the Company for 2010. The Outline research study was led 
by  the  Supervisory  Committee,  supported  by  external  experts  and  assisted  by  the  relevant  departments  of 
the  Company.  Through  background  studies,  information  searches,  internal  and  external  seminars,  industry 
investigations and research, etc, the Supervisory Committee came up with 23 workflows for the performance 
of  its  duties  grouped  under  five  categories,  and  gave  advices  and  recommendations  on  strengthening  the 
functions  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  in  accordance  with  external  regulatory  laws  and  regulations  and 
the  internal  governance  system  of  the  Company.  As  a  result,  the  Outline  research  study  was  reviewed  and 
approved  at  the  ninth  meeting  of  the  third  session  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  on  28  October  2010. 
For  the  purpose  of  implementing  the  research  results,  the  Supervisory  Committee  held  a  seminar  on  26 
November 2010 and invited regulatory bodies and external experts to jointly discuss and study the research 
results, which further deepened its understanding on the performance by the Supervisory Committee of its 
duties and suggested ways to improve such performance.

In  order  to  understand  and  learn  from  the  experience  and  approach  of  supervisory  committees  of  other 
listed companies in performing their duties, the Supervisory Committee of the Company held an exchange 
event on the theme of “Duties and Practices of Supervisory Committees” in September 2010, during which 
experiences  and  discussions  were  shared  between  the  Company  and  the  supervisory  committees  of  other 
listed  companies  on  issues  such  as  the  basic  situation  of  supervisory  committees,  their  scope  of  work  and 
workflow  for  the  performance  of  duties,  exploration  and  experience  of  supervisory  committees  in  their 
practice of corporate governance and the lessons learned by them, etc. Through the exchange of ideas during 
seminars,  the  Supervisory  Committee  benefitted  from  the  valuable  experience  of  supervisory  committees  of 
other listed companies in their work of supervision and practice, thereby further broadening its horizon and 
perspective and enlarging the scope of work of the Supervisory Committee in performing its duties.

2. 

Carrying  out  investigations,  research  and  examinations  and  strengthening  supervision  and  inspection. 
According  to  the  2010  Supervisory  Committee  Annual  Research  Workplan,  the  Supervisory  Committee 
organized  two  investigation  and  research  teams  to  inspect  the  Company’s  Tianjin  and  Xinjiang  Branches 
during the periods from 21 June 2010 to 24 June 2010 and from 24 July 2010 to 27 July 2010, respectively, 
in  order  to  understand  the  basic  situation  of  the  Company  at  its  local  branches  in  the  aspects  of  business 
development,  operations  management,  basic  infrastructure,  implementation  by  the  Company’s  branches 
of  the  “Five  Changes”  proposed  by  its  headquarters,  the  Company’s  branches’  internal  control  and  risk 
prevention,  and  their  work  on  effective  monitoring  and  sales  supervision.  Through  such  activities,  the 

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of the Supervisory Committee

75

Supervisors gained an understanding of the basic situation of operations management of the Company at its 
local branches and were well aware of the key issues arising from the development of its local branches. As a 
result, the Supervisors gave advices and recommendations to the management for the improvement of their 
work and achieved the objective of such investigations and research.

3. 

Participating  in  supervision  training  and  improving  the  Supervisors’  abilities  to  perform  their  duties. 
In  2010,  for  the  implementation  of  the  “No.2  Interpretation  of  Accounting  Standards  for  Business 
Enterprises”,  the  Supervisory  Committee  duly  organized  a  special  training  to  grasp  the  changes  in 
accounting policies and the development of the reserve polices. In accordance with regulatory requirements, 
the Supervisors took turns to take part in Stage 2, Stage 3 and Stage 5 of the training courses for Directors, 
Supervisors and senior management held by the Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau. The training provided 
a  comprehensive  and  systematic  study  of  corporate  governance  theory  and  practice,  and  also  provided 
communication  opportunities  with  other  listed  companies,  laying  a  good  foundation  for  the  improved 
performance of the Supervisory Committee in the discharge of its duties.

3. 

INDEPENDENT OPINION OF THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE ON CERTAIN 
MATTERS
During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Supervisory  Committee  of  the  Company  performed  its  duties  in  a  diligent 
manner in accordance with the terms of reference prescribed by the Company Law of the PRC and the Articles of 
Association.

1. 

2. 

The  Company’s  operational  compliance  with  the  law.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Company’s 
operations  were  in  compliance  with  the  law.  The  Company’s  operations  and  decision-making  procedures 
were  in  compliance  with  the  Company  Law  of  the  PRC  and  the  Articles  of  Association.  During  the 
Reporting  Period,  all  Directors  and  senior  management  of  the  Company  maintained  strict  principles  of 
diligence and integrity, and the Supervisory Committee is not aware of any of them having violated any law, 
regulation,  or  any  provision  in  the  Articles  of  Association  or  harmed  the  interests  of  the  Company  in  the 
course of discharging their duties.

The  fairness  of  the  financial  report.  The  Company’s  annual  financial  report  truly  and  completely  reflected 
the  state  of  the  Company’s  financial  position  and  operating  results.  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Zhong  Tian 
Certified  Public  Accountants  Limited  Company  and  PricewaterhouseCoopers  have  performed  audits  and 
have  issued  unqualified  auditors’  reports  for  the  year  ended  2010  in  accordance  with  China  Standards  on 
Auditing of PRC Certified Public Accountants and International Standards on Auditing, respectively.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

76

Report of the Supervisory Committee

3. 

4. 

5. 

Acquisition and sale of assets. During the Reporting Period, the prices for acquisition and sale of assets were 
fair  and  reasonable.  The  Supervisory  Committee  is  not  aware  of  any  insider  trading,  any  acts  harming  the 
interests of shareholders or the incurring of any loss to the Company’s assets.

Connected  transactions.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  connected  transactions  of  the  Company  were 
on  commercial  terms.  The  Supervisory  Committee  is  not  aware  of  any  acts  harming  the  interests  of  the 
Company.

Internal  control  system  and  self-evaluation  report  on  internal  control.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the 
Company  has  sought  to  improve  its  internal  control  system,  and  continued  to  improve  the  effectiveness 
of  such  system.  The  Supervisory  Committee  of  the  Company  reviewed  the  Self-evaluation  Report  on  the 
Company’s Internal Control Systems and does not raise any objection against the Self-evaluation Report of 
the Board regarding the Company’s Internal Control Systems.

By Order of the Supervisory Committee
Xia Zhihua
Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee

Beijing, China
22 March 2011

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Signifi cant Events

77

1.  USE OF FUNDS RAISED

During the Reporting Period, the Company had neither raised funds nor used funds raised in the previous periods.

2.  CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS

(1)  Continuing Connected Transactions

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  following  continuing  connected  transactions  were  carried  out  by  the 
Company  pursuant  to  Rule  14A.34  of  the  Listing  Rules,  including  the  policy  management  agreement 
between  the  Company  and  CLIC,  the  asset  management  agreement  between  the  Company  and  AMC, 
and  the  asset  management  agreement  between  CLIC  and  AMC.  These  continuing  connected  transactions 
were  subject  to  reporting  and  announcement  but  were  exempt  from  independent  shareholders’  approval 
requirements under the Listing Rules.

(1)  Policy Management Agreement

The  Company  and  CLIC  have  constantly  signed  policy  management  agreements  since  30  September 
2003. The Company and CLIC entered into a confirmation letter on 30 December 2008, pursuant to 
which both parties confirmed the further renewal of the policy management agreement for three years 
from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011. Pursuant to the renewed policy management agreement, 
the Company agreed to provide policy administration services to CLIC 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.  For  details  as  to 
the method of calculation of the service fee, please refer to Note 29 in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial  Statements.  The  annual  cap  for  each  of  the  three  years  ending  31  December  2011  is 
RMB1,402 million.

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2010,  the  service  fee  paid  by  CLIC  to  the  Company  amounted  to 
RMB1,154 million.

(2)  Asset Management Agreements

(a)  Asset Management Agreement between AMC and the Company

Since  30  November  2003,  the  Company  has  been  entering  into  asset  management  agreements 
with  AMC.  The  renewed  asset  management  agreement  between  the  parties  expired  on  31 
December 2010. The Company and AMC entered into an asset management agreement on 30 
December  2010,  which  is  for  a  term  of  one  year  effective  from  1  January  2011  and  expiring 
on 31 December 2011, and will be renewed for another year, unless terminated by either party 
giving to the other party no less than 90 days’ prior written notice to terminate the agreement 
at the expiration of the then current term. In accordance with the asset management agreement, 
AMC  agreed  to  invest  and  manage  assets  entrusted  to  it  by  the  Company,  on  a  discretionary 
basis,  subject  to  the  investment  guidelines  given  by  the  Company.  In  consideration  of  AMC’s 
services  in  respect  of  investing  and  managing  various  categories  of  assets  entrusted  to  it  by  the 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

78

Signifi cant Events

Company  under  the  agreement,  the  Company  agreed  to  pay  AMC  a  service  fee.  For  details  as 
to the method of calculation of the asset management fee, please refer to Note 29 in the Notes 
to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  Company  has  set  the  annual  cap  amount  at 
RMB900 million for 2011 and 2012.

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2010,  the  Company  paid  AMC  an  asset  management  fee  of 
RMB659 million.

(b)  Asset Management Agreement between CLIC and AMC

Since  30  November  2003,  AMC  has  been  entering  into  asset  management  agreements  with 
CLIC.  CLIC  and  AMC  entered  into  a  renewed  CLIC  asset  management  agreement  (the 
Renewed  CLIC  Asset  Management  Agreement)  on  30  December  2008.  The  Renewed  CLIC 
Asset  Management  Agreement  is  for  a  term  of  three  years,  effective  from  1  January  2009  and 
expiring  on  31  December  2011.  In  accordance  with  the  Renewed  CLIC  Asset  Management 
Agreement, AMC agreed to invest and manage assets entrusted to it by CLIC, on a discretionary 
basis,  subject  to  the  investment  guidelines  and  instructions  given  by  CLIC.  For  details  as  to 
the method of calculation of the asset management fee, please refer to Note 29 in the Notes to 
the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  annual  caps  for  each  of  the  three  years  ending  31 
December 2011 are RMB280 million, RMB290 million and RMB300 million, respectively.

For the year ended 31 December 2010, CLIC paid AMC an asset management fee of RMB123 
million.

CERTIFICATION BY AUDITOR
The  Board  has  received  a  comfort  letter  from  the  auditor  of  the  Company  with  respect  to  the  above 
continuing  connected  transactions  which  were  subject  to  reporting  and  announcement  requirements,  and 
the letter stated that during the Reporting Period:

(a) 

nothing has come to the auditors’ attention that causes them to believe that the disclosed continuing 
connected transactions have not been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors;

(b) 

(c) 

for transactions involving the provision of goods or services by the Company, nothing has come to the 
auditors’ attention that causes them to believe that the transactions were not, in all material respects, 
in accordance with the pricing policies of the Company;

nothing  has  come  to  the  auditors’  attention  that  causes  them  to  believe  that  the  transactions  were 
not  entered  into,  in  all  material  respects,  in  accordance  with  the  relevant  agreements  governing  such 
transactions; and

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Signifi cant Events

79

(d)  nothing has come to the auditors’ attention that causes them to believe that the disclosed continuing 
connected  transactions  have  exceeded  the  maximum  aggregate  annual  value  disclosed  in  the  previous 
announcements made.

CONFIRMATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The  Company’s  Independent  Directors  have  reviewed  the  above  continuing  connected  transactions  which 
were subject to reporting and announcement requirements, and confirmed that:

(a) 

the transactions were entered into in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company;

(b) 

the  transactions  were  conducted  either  on  normal  commercial  terms  or  on  terms  that  are  fair  and 
reasonable so far as the Company’s independent shareholders are concerned;

(c) 

the  transactions  were  entered  into  in  accordance  with  the  agreements  governing  those  connected 
transactions; and

(d) 

the amounts of the continuing connected transactions have not exceeded the relevant annual caps.

(2)  Other Connected Transactions

The Entrustment of Enterprise Annuity Funds and Account Management Agreement

On  27  July  2009,  the  Company,  CLIC  and  AMC  signed  the  “China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company 
Entrustment  of  Enterprise  Annuity  Funds  and  Account  Management  Agreement”  with  the  Pension 
Company.  The  agreement  is  valid  for  three  years  from  the  date  the  entrusted  funds  are  transferred  into  a 
special entrustment account. As a trustee and account manager, the Pension Company provides trusteeship 
and  account  management  services  for  the  enterprise  annuity  funds  of  the  Company,  CLIC  and  AMC  and 
charges trustee management fees and account management fees in accordance with the agreement.

(3)  Statement on Claims, Debt Transactions and Guarantee Transactions etc. with Connected 

Parties outside the Course of Business
During the Reporting Period, the Company was not involved in claims, debt transactions or guarantees with 
connected parties outside the course of its business.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

80

Signifi cant Events

3.  MATERIAL CONTRACTS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF MATERIAL CONTRACTS

1.  During the Reporting Period, the Company neither acted as trustee, contractor or lessee of other companies’ 
assets,  nor  have  entrusted,  contracted  or  leased  other  companies’  assets,  the  income  from  which  is 
responsible for 10% or above of the Company’s profits for the year.

2. 

3. 

4. 

The  Company  neither  gave  external  guarantees  nor  provided  guarantees  to  its  subsidiaries  during  the 
Reporting Period.

Apart  from  entrusting  funds  with  AMC  and  its  subsidiaries  for  asset  management  purposes,  the  Company 
did not entrust other companies with the management of cash assets during the Reporting Period.

Except  otherwise  disclosed  in  this  annual  report,  the  Company  had  no  other  material  contracts  during  the 
Reporting Period.

4.  UNDERTAKINGS OF THE COMPANY OR SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING MORE THAN 

5% OF THE SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY WHICH ARE EITHER GIVEN OR 
EFFECTIVE DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
Prior to the listing of the Company’s A Shares (30 November 2006), land use rights were injected by CLIC into 
the  Company  during  its  reorganization.  Out  of  these,  four  pieces  of  land  (with  a  total  area  of  10,421.12  square 
meters) had not had its formalities in relation to the change of ownership completed. Further, out of the properties 
injected into the Company, there were six properties (with a gross floor area of 8,639.76 square meters) in respect 
of  which  the  formalities  in  relation  to  the  change  of  ownership  had  not  been  completed.  CLIC  undertook  to 
complete  the  abovementioned  formalities  within  1  year  of  the  date  of  listing  of  the  Company’s  A  Shares,  and  in 
the event such formalities could not be completed within such period, CLIC would bear any potential losses to the 
Company  in  relation  thereto.  CLIC  strictly  followed  these  commitments.  As  at  the  end  of  the  Reporting  Period, 
save  for  the  two  properties  and  related  land  of  the  Company’s  Shenzhen  Branch,  all  other  formalities  in  relation 
to  the  change  of  land  and  property  ownership  have  been  completed.  The  Shenzhen  Branch  of  the  Company 
continues  to  use  such  properties  and  land,  and  no  other  parties  have  questioned  or  hindered  the  use  of  such 
properties and land by the Company.

5.  MAJOR LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION

The Company was not a party to any major litigation or arbitration during the Reporting Period.

6.  OTHER AFFAIRS

In 2010, the National Audit Office of China (the “NAO ”) conducted a routine audit (the “Audit”) on the assets, 
liabilities  and  profits  and  losses  of  CLIC  and  its  subsidiaries  (including  the  Company)  and  certain  of  its  branch 
entities for the year of 2009. In January 2011, the Company issued an announcement on the “Audit Findings on 
China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company  and  its  Subsidiaries  Issued  by  the  National  Audit  Office  of  the  People’s 
Republic  of  China”,  and  the  NAO  released  the  “Results  of  the  Audit  on  the  Assets,  Liabilities  and  Profits  and 
Losses of China Life Insurance (Group) Company for the Year of 2009”. The issues identified in the Audit have 
no  material  impact  on  the  Company’s  overall  operating  results,  its  financial  statements  and  internal  control  over 
financial reporting.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Honors and Awards

81

“Forbes”  Forbes Global 2000 for 2010, ranking No.90

“Financial Times”  FT Global 500 2010, ranking No.41

“FinanceAsia”  Best Corporate Governance 2010
The Most Profi table 100 in Asia

“FORTUNE China”  Top 500 Chinese Listed Enterprises, ranking No.6

“China Credible Enterprise Authentifi cation 2010”  Highest Honor

“21st Century News”  Asian Insurance Competitiveness Ranking No.1 (Excluding Japan, 

  Malaysia)
Best Insurance Company in Asia

“Golden Kylin Forum of Sina”  Best Insurance Company of the Year

“The Seventh Session Award for the Best Chinese Corporate Citizen 2010”  Best Chinese Corporate 
Citizen

 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

82

Report of Auditor

羅兵咸永道會計師事務所

PricewaterhouseCoopers

22nd Floor, Prince’s Building
Central, Hong Kong
Telephone : (852) 2289 8888
Facsimile  : (852) 2810 9888
www.pwchk.com

Independent Auditor’s Report
To the equity holders of China Life Insurance Company Limited
(incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability) 

We  have  audited  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  (“the  Company”) 
and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) set out on pages 84 to 186, which comprise the consolidated and company 
statement of financial position as at 31 December 2010, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flow for the year then ended, and a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The  directors  of  the  Company  are  responsible  for  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  give  a  true 
and  fair  view  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  and  the  disclosure  requirements  of  the 
Hong  Kong  Companies  Ordinance,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  the  directors  determine  is  necessary  to  enable  the 
preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted 
our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical 
requirements  and  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial 
statements are free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 
financial  statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s  judgment,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks 
of  material  misstatement  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  making  those 
risk  assessments,  the  auditor  considers  internal  control  relevant  to  the  entity’s  preparation  of  consolidated  financial 
statements  that  give  a  true  and  fair  view  in  order  to  design  audit  procedures  that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances, 
but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  entity’s  internal  control.  An  audit  also 
includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made 
by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we  have  obtained  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  audit 
opinion. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Report of Auditor

83

OPINION
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company 
and of the Group as at 31 December 2010, and of the Group’s financial performance and cash flows for the year then 
ended  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  and  have  been  properly  prepared  in  accordance 
with the disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

OTHER MATTERS
This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for you, as a body, and for no other purpose. We do 
not assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of this report.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong, 22 March 2011

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

84

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2010

ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments in associates 
Held-to-maturity securities 
Loans 
Term deposits 
Statutory deposits - restricted 
Available-for-sale securities 
Securities at fair value through income 
Accrued investment income 
Premiums receivable 
Reinsurance assets 
Other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

As at 31 
December 
2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December
2009
RMB million

18,946 
20,892 
246,227 
36,543 
441,585 
6,153 
548,121 
9,762 
18,193 
7,274 
830 
8,199 
47,854 

17,467
8,470
235,099
23,081
344,983
6,153
517,499
9,133
14,208
6,818
832
6,317
36,197

Note 

6 
7 
8.1 
8.2 
8.3 
8.4 
8.5 
8.6 
8.7 
10 
11 
12 

Total assets 

1,410,579 

1,226,257

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2010

85

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Policyholder dividends payable 
Annuity and other insurance balances payable 
Premiums received in advance 
Other liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Current income tax liabilities 
Statutory insurance fund 

Total liabilities 

Equity
Share capital 
Reserves 
Retained earnings 

As at 31 
December 
2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December
2009
RMB million

Note 

13 
14 
15 

16 
24 

17 

30 
31 

1,018,135 
70,171 
23,065 
52,828 
8,275 
1,880 
13,746 
11,776 
34 
194 

818,164
67,326
33,553
54,587
5,721
1,804
11,978
16,361
3,850
137

1,200,104 

1,013,481

28,265 
100,512 
79,933 

28,265
102,787
80,020

Attributable to equity holders of the Company 

208,710 

211,072

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

Total liabilities and equity 

1,765 

1,704

210,475 

212,776

1,410,579 

1,226,257

Approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 March 2011

Yang Chao 

Director 

Wan Feng

Director

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

86

Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2010

ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments in subsidiaries 
Investments in associates 
Held-to-maturity securities 
Loans 
Term deposits 
Statutory deposits - restricted 
Available-for-sale securities 
Securities at fair value through income 
Accrued investment income 
Premiums receivable 
Reinsurance assets 
Other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

As at 31 
December 
2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December
2009
RMB million

18,389 
3,865 
18,178 
246,220 
36,353 
440,217 
5,653 
544,744 
9,676 
18,098 
7,274 
830 
8,151 
47,545 

16,940
3,865
7,278
235,092
23,031
343,483
5,653
514,055
9,113
14,120
6,818
832
6,236
35,582

Note 

6 
34 
7 
8.1 
8.2 
8.3 
8.4 
8.5 
8.6 
8.7 
10 
11 
12 

Total assets 

1,405,193 

1,222,098

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2010

87

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Policyholder dividends payable 
Annuity and other insurance balances payable 
Premiums received in advance 
Other liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Current income tax liabilities 
Statutory insurance fund 

Total liabilities 

Equity
Share capital 
Reserves 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

As at 31 
December 
2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December
2009
RMB million

Note 

13 
14 
15 

16 
24 

17 

30 
31 

1,018,135 
70,171 
22,660 
52,828 
8,275 
1,880 
13,465 
11,828 
9 
194 

818,164
67,326
32,810
54,587
5,721
1,804
11,802
16,377
3,849
137

1,199,445 

1,012,577

28,265 
100,399 
77,084 

28,265
102,485
78,771

205,748 

209,521

Total liabilities and equity 

1,405,193 

1,222,098

Approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 March 2011

Yang Chao 

Director 

Wan Feng

Director

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

88

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2010

REVENUES
Gross written premiums 
Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers 

Net written premiums 
Net change in unearned premium reserves 

Net premiums earned 

Investment income 
Net realised gains on financial assets 
Net fair value gains through income 
Other income 

Total revenues 

BENEFITS, CLAIMS AND EXPENSES
Insurance benefits and claims expenses
  Life insurance death and other benefits 
  Accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses 

Increase in insurance contracts liabilities 

Investment contract benefits 
Policyholder dividends resulting from participation in profits 
Underwriting and policy acquisition costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Statutory insurance fund contribution 

Total benefits, claims and expenses 

Share of results of associates 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax 

Net profit 

Attributable to:
  – equity holders of the Company 
  – non-controlling interests 

Note 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

318,229 
(177) 

318,052 
36 

275,970
(158)

275,812
(735)

318,088 

275,077

48,872 
15,841 
280 
2,757 

38,890
21,244
1,449
2,630

385,838 

339,290

(71,237) 
(8,740) 
(199,655) 
(1,950) 
(13,224) 
(27,256) 
(20,285) 
(3,655) 
(599) 

(74,858)
(7,808)
(154,372)
(2,142)
(14,487)
(22,936)
(18,719)
(2,390)
(537)

(346,601) 

(298,249)

1,771 
41,008 
(7,197) 

704
41,745
(8,709)

33,811 

33,036

33,626 
185 

32,881
155

18 
19 
20 

21 
21 
21 
22 

17 

7 
23 
24 

Basic and diluted earnings per share 

26 

RMB 1.19 

RMB1.16

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2010

89

Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Fair value (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities 
Amount transferred to net profit from other comprehensive income 
Portion of fair value (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities
  attributable to participating policyholders 
Share of other comprehensive loss of associates 
Others 
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(loss) 

Note 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

(13,666) 
(15,763) 

7,983 
(131) 
(1) 
5,362 

39,470
(21,040)

(3,999)
(70)
-
(3,607)

24 

Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year 

(16,216) 

10,754

Total comprehensive income for the year 

17,595 

43,790

Attributable to:
  – equity holders of the Company 
  – non-controlling interests 

17,423 
172 

43,626
164

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

90

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2010

Attributable to equity holders
of the Company

Share capital 
RMB million 
(Note 30) 

Reserves  
RMB million 
(Note 31)

Retained  Non-controlling
interests 
earnings 
RMB million 
RMB million 

Total
RMB million

As at 1 January 2009 
Net profit 
Other comprehensive income

for the year 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners
Capital contribution 
Appropriation to reserve (Note 31) 
Dividends paid 
Dividends to non-controlling interests 

Total transactions with owners 

28,265 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

84,447 
– 

10,745 

61,235 
32,881 

– 

10,745 

32,881 

– 
7,595 
– 
– 

– 
(7,595) 
(6,501) 
– 

924 
155 

9 

164 

720 
– 
– 
(104) 

174,871
33,036

10,754

43,790

720
–
(6,501)
(104)

7,595 

(14,096) 

616 

(5,885)

As at 31 December 2009 

28,265 

102,787 

80,020 

1,704 

212,776

As at 1 January 2010 
Net profit 
Other comprehensive loss

for the year 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners
Appropriation to reserve (Note 31) 
Dividends paid 
Dividends to non-controlling interests 

Total transactions with owners 

28,265 
– 

102,787 
– 

80,020 
33,626 

1,704 
185 

212,776
33,811

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(16,203) 

– 

(13) 

(16,216)

(16,203) 

33,626 

172 

17,595

13,928 
– 
– 

(13,928) 
(19,785) 
– 

– 
– 
(111) 

–
(19,785)
(111)

13,928 

(33,713) 

(111) 

(19,896)

As at 31 December 2010 

28,265 

100,512 

79,933 

1,765 

210,475

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

91

For the year ended 31 December 2010

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit before income tax: 

Adjustments for:

Investment income 

  Net realised and unrealised gains on financial assets 

Insurance contracts 

  Depreciation and amortisation 
  Amortisation of premiums and discounts 
  Loss on foreign exchange 
  Share of results of associates 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Securities at fair value through income 
  Receivables and payables 

Income tax paid 
Interest received 
  Dividends received 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

41,008 

41,745

(48,872) 
(16,121) 
199,978 
1,802 
(5) 
392 
(1,771) 

(809) 
13,056 
(10,236) 
135 
43 

(38,890)
(22,693)
155,252
1,560
10
28
(704)

6,435
9,917
(3,995)
291
40

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

178,600 

149,700

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Sales and maturities:
  Sales of debt securities 
  Maturities of debt securities 
  Sales of equity securities 
  Property, plant and equipment 
Purchases:
  Debt securities 
  Equity securities 
  Property, plant and equipment 
Additional capital contribution to associates 
Increase in term deposits, net 
Decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell, net 
Interest received 
Dividends received 
Increase in policy loan, net 
Other 

38,245 
8,199 
133,111 
240 

(74,324) 
(171,379) 
(4,849) 
(2,999) 
(96,602) 
89 
38,873 
5,321 
(10,146) 
284 

95,197
25,730
101,112
420

(148,559)
(149,523)
(3,261)
-
(116,711)
8
34,139
3,159
(5,155)
(307)

Net cash outflow from investing activities 

(135,937) 

(163,751)

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

92

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

For the year ended 31 December 2010

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(Decrease)/increase in investment in securities sold under agreements to

repurchase, net 

Interest paid 
Contribution from non-controlling interests 
Dividends paid to the Company’s equity holders 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

(10,488) 
(297) 
- 
(19,785) 
(111) 

22,163
(111)
720
(6,501)
(104)

Net cash (outflow)/ inflow from financing activities 

(30,681) 

16,167

Foreign currency losses on cash and cash equivalents 

(325) 

(4)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

11,657 

2,112

Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year 

End of year 

Analysis of balance of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term bank deposits 

36,197 

34,085

47,854 

36,197

45,143 
2,711 

23,640
12,557

The notes on pages 93 to 186 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

93

For the year ended 31 December 2010

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  30  June  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 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.

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and located in China. The address of its registered office 
is:  16  Financial  Street,  Xicheng  District,  Beijing,  PRC.  The  Company  is  listed  on  the  Stock  Exchange  of  Hong 
Kong, the New York Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

These consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of Renminbi (“RMB million”) unless otherwise 
stated.  These  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  approved  for  issue  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  22 
March 2011.

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out 
below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented.

2.1  Basis of preparation

The  Group  adopted  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  in  2009.  The  Group  prepared 
these  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  its  amendments  and  interpretations 
issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“IASB”).  These  consolidated  financial  statements 
also  comply  with  the  applicable  disclosure  provisions  of  the  Rules  Governing  the  Listing  of  Securities 
on  the  Stock  Exchange  Limited  and  the  requirements  of  the  Hong  Kong  Company’s  Ordinance.  The 
Group  prepared  the  consolidated  financial  statements  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  as  modified  by 
financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  income,  available-for-sale  securities,  insurance 
contract  liabilities  and  certain  property,  plant  and  equipment  at  deemed  cost.  The  preparation  of  financial 
statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management  to  exercise  its  judgment  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Company’s  accounting  policies.  The 
areas  involving  a  higher  degree  of  judgment  or  complexity,  or  areas  where  assumptions  and  estimates  are 
significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

94

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.1  Basis of preparation (continued)

2.1.1  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

(a)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group

The  following  revised  standards  are  mandatory  for  the  first  time  for  the  financial  year  beginning  1 
January 2010.

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

IFRS  3  (Revised),  ‘Business  combinations’,  and  consequential  amendments  to  IAS  27, 
‘Consolidated  and  separate  financial  statements’,  IAS  28,  ‘Investments  in  associates’,  and  IAS 
31,  ‘Interests  in  joint  ventures’,  are  effective  prospectively  to  business  combinations  for  which 
the  acquisition  date  is  on  or  after  the  beginning  of  the  first  annual  reporting  period  beginning 
on  or  after  1  July  2009.  The  revised  standard  continues  to  apply  the  acquisition  method  to 
business combinations, with some significant changes, such as the recognition and measurement 
of  the  identifiable  assets  acquired,  the  liabilities  assumed,  the  non-controlling  interests  in  the 
acquire and the acquisition-related costs.

IAS  27  (Revised)  requires  the  effects  of  all  transactions  with  non-controlling  interests  to  be 
recorded  in  equity  if  there  is  no  change  in  control  and  these  transactions  will  no  longer  result 
in goodwill or gains and losses. The standard also specifies the accounting when control is lost. 
Any remaining interest in the entity is re-measured to fair value, and a gain or loss is recognised 
in profit or loss.

The  Group  adopted  these  revised  standards  on  1  January  2010  and  they  did  not  have  any  material 
impacts on the Group’s financial position and comprehensive income.

(b)  New  and  revised  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  mandatory  for  the  first  time  for  the  financial  year 

beginning 1 January 2010 but not currently relevant to the Group

The  following  standards  and  amendments  to  existing  standards  have  been  published  and  are 
mandatory for the Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 or later periods 
but not currently relevant to the Group’s operation.

Standard/Amendment 
/Interpretation 

Content 

Applicable for financial years
beginning on/after

IFRIC 17 
IFRIC 18 
IFRIC 9 
IFRIC 16 
IAS 39 
IAS 1 (Amendment) 
IAS 17 (Amendment) 
IAS 36 (Amendment) 
IFRS 2 (Amendments)  Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions 
IFRS 5 (Amendment) 

Distribution of non-cash assets to owners 
Transfers of assets from customers 
Reassessment of embedded derivatives 
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation 
Eligible hedge items 
Presentation of financial statements 
Leases 
Impairment of assets 

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations 

1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 July 2009

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

95

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.1  Basis of preparation (continued)

2.1.1  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures (continued)

(c)  New  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  have  been  issued  but  are  not  effective  for  the  financial  year 

beginning 1 January 2010.

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

IFRS  9  and  IFRS  9  (Amendment),  ‘Financial  instruments’,  issued  in  November  2009  and 
October  2010  respectively.  This  standard  is  the  first  step  in  the  process  to  replace  IAS  39, 
‘Financial  instruments:  recognition  and  measurement’.  IFRS  9  and  IFRS  9  (Amendment) 
introduce  new  requirements  for  classifying,  measuring  and  derecognizing  financial  assets  and 
financial  liabilities  and  are  likely  to  affect  the  Group’s  accounting  for  its  financial  assets  and 
financial liabilities. The standard is not applicable until 1 January 2013 but is available for early 
adoption.  The  Group  is  in  the  process  of  making  an  assessment  of  the  impact  of  the  standard 
and is considering the timing of adoption.

Revised  IAS  24  (Revised),  ‘Related  party  disclosures’,  issued  in  November  2009.  It  supersedes 
IAS  24,  ‘Related  party  disclosures’,  issued  in  2003.  IAS  24  (revised)  is  mandatory  for  periods 
beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2011.  The  Group  early  adopted  IAS  24  Related  Party 
Disclosures  (Revised)  since  2009.  The  adoption  of  IAS  24  Related  Party  Disclosures  (Revised) 
only  affected  disclosure  and  did  not  have  any  impact  on  the  Group’s  financial  position  and 
comprehensive income.

‘Classification  of  rights  issues’  (Amendment  to  IAS  32),  issued  in  October  2009.  The 
amendment applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010. Earlier application 
is permitted. The amendment addresses the accounting for rights issues that are denominated in 
a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer. Provided certain conditions are met, 
such  rights  issues  are  now  classified  as  equity  regardless  of  the  currency  in  which  the  exercise 
price  is  denominated.  Previously,  these  issues  had  to  be  accounted  for  as  derivative  liabilities. 
The amendment applies retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 ‘Accounting policies, changes 
in accounting estimates and errors’. The Group will apply the amended standard from 1 January 
2011. The Group will make an assessment of the impact of the standard when applicable.

IFRIC-Int  19,  ‘Extinguishing  financial  liabilities  with  equity  instruments’,  effective  for  annual 
periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  July  2010.  The  interpretation  clarifies  the  accounting  by  an 
entity  when  the  terms  of  a  financial  liability  are  renegotiated  and  result  in  the  entity  issuing 
equity  instruments  to  a  creditor  of  the  entity  to  extinguish  all  or  part  of  the  financial  liability 
(debt  for  equity  swap).  It  requires  a  gain  or  loss  to  be  recognised  in  profit  or  loss,  which  is 
measured  as  the  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  liability  and  the  fair 
value of the equity instruments issued. If the fair value of the equity instruments issued cannot 
be reliably measured, the equity instruments should be measured to reflect the fair value of the 
financial  liability  extinguished.  The  Group  will  apply  the  interpretation  from  1  January  2011. 
It  is  not  expected  to  have  any  impact  on  the  Group’s  financial  position  and  comprehensive 
income.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

96

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.1  Basis of preparation (continued)

2.1.1  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures (continued)

(c)  New  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  have  been  issued  but  are  not  effective  for  the  financial  year 

beginning 1 January 2010. (continued)

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

‘Prepayments  of  a  minimum  funding  requirement’  (Amendments  to  IFRIC-Int  14).  The 
amendments  correct  an  unintended  consequence  of  IFRIC-Int  14,  ‘IAS  19-The  limit  on  a 
defined  benefit  asset,  minimum  funding  requirements  and  their  interaction’.  Without  the 
amendments, entities are not permitted to recognise as an asset some voluntary prepayments for 
minimum funding contributions. This was not intended when IFRIC-Int 14 was issued, and the 
amendments correct this. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning 1 January 
2011. Earlier application is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to the 
earliest comparative period presented. The Group will apply these amendments for the financial 
reporting period commencing on 1 January 2011. It is not expected to have any impact on the 
Group’s financial position and comprehensive income.

‘Improvements to IFRS 2009’ and ‘Annual Improvements 2010’ were issued in April 2009 and 
May  2010  respectively,  containing  numerous  technical  and  conforming  amendments  to  IFRS, 
which  the  IASB  consider  non-urgent  but  necessary.  These  amendments  comprise  amendments 
that result in accounting changes for presentation, recognition or measurement purposes as well 
as terminology or editorial amendments related to a variety of individual IFRS standards. Apart 
from the early adoption of the amendments to IFRS 1 and IFRS 7 from ‘Annual Improvements 
2010’, no other amendments effective for annual periods after 1 January 2010 was early adopted 
by the Group and no material changes to accounting policies were made in 2010 or are expected 
in 2011 as a result of these amendments.

2.2  Consolidation

Subsidiaries

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries 
made up to 31 December. Subsidiaries are those entities in which the Company 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 votes at the meetings of the Board of 
Directors.

The  Group  uses  the  acquisition  method  of  accounting  to  account  for  business  combinations.  The 
consideration  transferred  for  the  acquisition  of  a  subsidiary  is  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  transferred,  the 
liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the 
fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition-related 
costs  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  assumed 
in a business combination are measured initially at their fair value at the acquisition date. On an acquisition-
by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or 
at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

97

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.2  Consolidation (continued)

Subsidiaries (continued)

The investments in subsidiaries are accounted for in the company only statement of financial position at cost 
less  impairment.  Cost  is  adjusted  to  reflect  changes  in  consideration  arising  from  contingent  consideration 
amendments.  Cost  also  includes  direct  attributable  costs  of  investment.  The  results  of  subsidiaries  are 
accounted for by the company on the basis of dividend and receivable.

The  excess  of  the  consideration  transferred  the  amount  of  any  non-controlling  interest  in  the  acquiree 
and  the  acquisition-date  fair  value  of  any  previous  equity  interest  in  the  acquiree  over  the  fair  value  of  the 
identifiable  net  assets  acquired  is  recorded  as  goodwill.  If  this  is  less  than  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets 
of  the  subsidiary  acquired  in  the  case  of  a  bargain  purchase,  the  difference  is  recognised  directly  in  the 
statement of comprehensive income.

Inter-company  transactions,  balances  and  unrealised  gains  on  transactions  between  group  companies  are 
eliminated.  Unrealised  losses  are  also  eliminated  unless  the  transaction  provided  evidence  of  impairment 
of  the  assets  transferred.  Accounting  policies  of  subsidiaries  have  been  changed  where  necessary  to  ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Transactions with non-controlling interests

The  Group  treats  transactions  with  non-controlling  interests  as  transactions  with  equity  holders  of  the 
Group. For purchases from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the 
relevant  share  acquired  of  the  carrying  value  of  net  assets  of  the  subsidiary  is  recorded  in  equity.  Gains  or 
losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

When  the  Group  ceases  to  have  control  or  significant  influence,  any  retained  interest  in  the  entity  is  re-
measured  to  its  fair  value,  with  the  change  in  carrying  amount  recognised  in  profit  or  loss.  The  fair  value 
is  the  initial  carrying  amount  for  the  purposes  of  subsequently  accounting  for  the  retained  interest  as 
an  associate,  joint  venture  or  financial  asset.  In  addition,  any  amounts  previously  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive  income  in  respect  of  that  entity  are  accounted  for  as  if  the  Group  had  directly  disposed  of 
the  related  assets  or  liabilities.  This  may  mean  that  amounts  previously  recognised  in  other  comprehensive 
income are reclassified to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate 
share  of  the  amounts  previously  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  are  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss 
where appropriate.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

98

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.2  Consolidation (continued)

Associates

Associates  are  all  entities  over  which  the  Group  has  significant  influence  but  not  control,  generally 
accompanying  a  shareholding  of  between  20%  and  50%  of  the  voting  rights.  Investments  in  associates 
are  accounted  for  by  the  equity  method  of  accounting  and  are  initially  recognized  at  cost.  The  Group’s 
investment  in  associates  includes  goodwill  (net  of  any  accumulated  impairment  loss)  identified  on 
acquisition.

The  Group’s  share  of  its  associates’  post-acquisition  profit  or  loss  is  recognized  in  the  net  profit,  and  its 
share  of  post-acquisition  movements  in  reserves  is  recognized  in  reserves.  The  cumulative  post-acquisition 
movements  are  adjusted  against  the  carrying  amount  of  the  investment.  When  the  Group’s  share  of  losses 
in  an  associate  equals  or  exceeds  its  interest  in  the  associate,  including  any  other  unsecured  receivables, 
the  Group  does  not  recognize  further  losses  unless  it  has  obligations  or  made  payments  on  behalf  of  the 
associate.

Unrealised  gains  on  transactions  between  the  Group  and  its  associates  are  eliminated  to  the  extent  of  the 
Group’s  interest  in  the  associates.  Unrealised  losses  are  also  eliminated  unless  the  transaction  provides 
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Associates’ accounting policies have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  an  acquisition  over  the  fair  value  of  the  Group’s  share  of  the 
net identifiable assets of acquired associate at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates 
is included in investments in associates and is tested annually for impairment as part of the overall balance. 
Impairment  losses  on  goodwill  are  not  reversed.  Gains  and  losses  on  the  disposal  of  an  entity  take  into 
consideration the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

The  investment  in  associates  is  stated  at  cost  less  impairment  in  the  company  only  statement  of  financial 
position. The results of associates are accounted for by the Company on the basis of dividends received and 
receivable.

2.3  Segment reporting

The  Group’s  operating  segments  are  presented  in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  internal  management 
reporting  provided  to  the  president  office  for  deciding  how  to  allocate  resources  and  for  assessing 
performance. 

Operating segment refers to the segment within the Group that satisfies following conditions: i) the segment 
generates  income  and  incurs  costs  from  daily  operating  activities;  ii)  management  evaluate  the  operating 
results of the segment to make resource allocation decision and to evaluate the business performance; iii) the 
Group  can  obtain  relevant  financial  information  of  the  segment,  including  financial  condition,  operating 
results, cash flow and other financial performance indicators.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

99

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.4  Foreign currency translation

The  functional  currencies  of  the  Group’s  operations  are  RMB.  Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are 
translated  at  exchange  rates  ruling  at  the  transaction  dates.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in 
foreign  currencies  are  translated  at  rates  of  exchange  ruling  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period.  Exchange 
differences arising in these cases are recognized in the net profit.

2.5  Property, plant and equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  historical  costs  less  accumulated  depreciations  and  any 
accumulated impairment losses, except for those acquired prior to 30 June 2003, which are stated at deemed 
cost less accumulated depreciations and any accumulated impairment losses.

The  historical  costs  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  comprise  its  purchase  price,  including  import  duties 
and  non-refundable  purchase  taxes  and  any  directly  attributable  costs  of  bringing  the  asset  to  its  working 
condition  and  location  for  its  intended  use.  The  cost  of  a  major  renovation  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  represent  buildings  and  fixtures  under  construction  and  are  stated  at  costs  or 
deemed  costs.  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  its  residual  value 
over its estimated useful life as follows:

Buildings 
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures 
Motor vehicles 
Leasehold improvements 

Estimated useful life

15 to 35 years
5 to 10 years
4 to 8 years
Over the lesser of the remaining term
  of the lease or the useful life

The  useful  life  and  depreciation  method  is  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 gains or losses on sales

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  recognized 
in the net profit 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 recognized in the net profit.

 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.6  Financial assets

2.6. a Classification

The  Group  classifies  its  financial  assets  into  the  following  categories:  held-to-maturity  securities,  securities 
at fair value through income, available-for-sale securities and loans and receivables. Management determines 
the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition and depends on the purpose for which the assets 
are  acquired.  Loans  and  receivables  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  with  fixed  or  determinable  payments 
that are not quoted in an active market other than those that the Group intends to sell in the short term or 
held  as  available  for  sale.  Loans  and  receivables  mainly  comprise  term  deposits,  loans,  securities  purchased 
under agreements to resell, accrued investment income and receivables arising from the insurance contracts 
as  presented  separately  in  the  statement  of  financial  position.  The  Group’s  investments  in  securities  are 
mainly in the below three categories:

(i)  Held-to-maturity securities

Held-to-maturity  securities  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  with  fixed  or  determinable  payments 
and fixed maturities other than those that meet the definition of loans and receivables that the Group 
has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity and do not meet the definition of loans and 
receivables nor designated as available-for-sale securities or securities at fair value through income.

(ii) 

Securities at fair value through income

This  category  has  two  sub-categories:  securities  held  for  trading  and  those  designated  at  fair  value 
through  income  at  inception.  Securities  are  classified  as  held  for  trading  at  inception  if  acquired 
principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if they form part of a portfolio of financial 
assets  in  which  there  is  evidence  of  short  term  profit-taking.  The  Group  may  classify  other  financial 
assets as at fair value through income if they meet certain criteria and designated as such at inception. 

(iii)  Available-for-sale securities

Available-for-sale  securities  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  that  are  either  designated  in  this 
category or not classified in either of the other categories.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

101

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.6  Financial assets (continued)

2.6.b Recognition and measurement

Purchases  and  sales  of  investments  are  recognized  on  trade  date,  when  the  Group  commits  to  purchase  or 
sell assets. Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus, in the case of all financial assets not carried 
at fair value through income, transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition. Investments 
are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or when they have 
been transferred and the Group has also transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Available-for-sale  securities  and  securities  at  fair  value  through  income  are  carried  at  fair  value.  Held-to-
maturity  securities  are  carried  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  method.  Investment  gains  and 
losses  on  sales  of  securities  are  determined  principally  by  specific  identification.  Realised  and  unrealised 
gains  and  losses  arising  from  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  “securities  at  fair  value  through  income” 
category,  and  the  change  of  available-for-sale  debt  securities’  fair  value  due  to  foreign  exchange  impact  on 
the amortized cost are included in the net profit in the period in which they arise. The remaining unrealised 
gains  and  losses  arising  from  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  available-for-sale  debt  securities  and  unrealised 
gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of available-for-sale equity securities are recognized in 
other  comprehensive  income.  When  securities  classified  as  available-for-sale  securities  are  sold  or  impaired, 
the accumulated fair value adjustments are included in the net profit as realised gains or losses on financial 
assets.

The  fair  values  of  quoted  investments  are  based  on  current  bid  prices.  If  the  market  for  a  financial  asset  is 
not  active,  the  Group  establishes  fair  value  by  using  valuation  techniques.  These  include  the  use  of  recent 
arm’s  length  transactions,  reference  to  other  instruments  that  are  substantially  the  same,  discounted  cash 
flow analysis and option pricing models.

2.6.c  Term deposits

Term deposits primarily represent traditional bank deposits which have fixed maturity date and are stated at 
amortised cost.

2.6.d Loans

Loans originated by the Group are carried at amortised cost, net of allowance for impairment. 

2.6.e  Securities purchased under agreements to resell

The  Group  purchases  securities  under  agreements  to  resell  substantially  identical  securities.  These 
agreements  are  classified  as  secured  loans  and  are  recorded  at  amortised  cost,  i.e.  their  cost  plus  accrued 
interest  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  which  approximates  fair  value.  The  amounts  advanced  under 
these agreements are reflected as assets in the consolidated statement of financial position. 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  clearing  house  on  which  they  are  registered  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 clearing house.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

102

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.6  Financial assets (continued)

2.6.f  Impairment of securities other than at fair value through income

Securities  other  than  those  accounted  for  as  at  fair  value  through  income  are  adjusted  for  impairments, 
where  there  are  declines  in  value  that  are  considered  to  be  an  impairment.  In  evaluating  whether  a  decline 
in  value  is  an  impairment  for  debt  securities  and  equity  securities,  the  Group  considers  several  factors 
including, but not limited to.

(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or debtor;
A breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in payments;
It  becomes  probable  that  the  issuer  or  debtor  will  enter  into  bankruptcy  or  other  financial 
reorganisation;
The disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties.

In  evaluating  whether  a  decline  in  value  is  impairment  for  equity  securities,  the  Group  also  considers  the 
extent or the duration of the decline. When the decline in value is considered impairment, held-to-maturity 
debt  securities  are  written  down  to  their  present  value  of  estimated  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the 
securities  effective  interest  rates;  available-for-sale  debt  securities  and  equity  securities  are  written  down  to 
their fair value, and the change is recorded in net realised gains/(losses) on financial assets in the period the 
impairment is recognized. The impairment loss is reversed through the net profit if in a subsequent period 
the  fair  value  of  a  debt  security  increases  and  the  increase  can  be  objectively  related  to  an  event  occurring 
after  the  impairment  loss  was  recognized  through  the  net  profit.  The  impairment  losses  recognised  in  net 
profit on equity instruments are not reversed through the net profit.

2.7  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, whose carrying value approximates fair value.

2.8  Insurance contracts and investment contracts

2.8.1 Classification

The  Group  issues  contracts  that  transfer  insurance  risk  or  financial  risk  or  both.  The  contracts  issued  by 
the  Group  are  classified  as  insurance  contracts  and  investment  contacts.  Insurance  contracts  are  those 
contracts that transfer significant insurance risk. They may also transfer financial risk. Investment contracts 
are  those  contracts  that  transfer  financial  risk  without  significant  insurance  risk.  A  number  of  insurance 
and  investment  contracts  contain  a  discretionary  participating  features  (“DPF”).  This  feature  entitles  the 
policyholders to receive additional benefits or bonuses that are, at least in part, discretionary to the Group.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

103

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.8  Insurance contracts and investment contracts (continued)

2.8.2  Insurance contracts

2.8.2.a Recognition and measurement

(i) 

Short-term insurance contracts

Premiums  from  the  sale  of  short  duration  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. 
Reserves  for  short  duration  insurance  products  consist  of  unearned  premium  reserve  and  expected 
claims  and  claim  adjustment  expenses  reserve.  Actual  claims  and  claim  adjustment  expenses  are 
charged to the net profit as incurred.

The  unearned  premium  reserve  represents  the  portion  of  the  premiums  written  net  of  certain 
acquisition costs relating to the unexpired terms of coverage. 

Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses consist of the reserves for reported and unreported 
claims and reserves for claim expenses with respect to insured events. In developing these reserves, the 
Group considered the nature and distribution of the risks, claims cost development, and experiences in 
deriving the best estimated amount and the applicable margins. The methods used for reported claims 
include  average  cost  per  claim  method,  chain  ladder  method,  etc.  The  Group  calculated  the  reserves 
for claim expenses based on the best estimates of the future payments for claim expenses.

(ii) 

Long-term insurance contracts

Long-term  insurance  contracts  include  whole  life  and  term  life  insurance,  endowment  insurance  and 
annuities policies with significant life contingency risk. Premiums are recognized as revenue when due 
from policyholders.

The  Group  uses  the  discounted  cash  flow  method  to  estimate  the  liabilities  for  long-term  insurance 
contracts. The reserve of long-term insurance contracts consists of a reasonable estimate of liability, a 
risk  margin  and  a  residual  margin.  The  long-term  insurance  contracts  liabilities  are  calculated  using 
various  assumptions,  including  assumptions  on  mortality  rates,  morbidity  rates,  lapse  rates,  discount 
rates, and expenses assumption, and based on the following principles:

(a)  The  reasonable  estimate  of  liability  for  long-term  insurance  contracts  is  the  present  value  of 
reasonable  estimates  of  future  cash  outflows  less  future  cash  inflows.  The  expected  future  cash 
inflows  include  cash  inflows  of  future  premiums  arising  from  the  undertaking  of  insurance 
obligations,  with  consideration  of  decrement  mostly  from  death  and  surrenders.  The  expected 
future cash outflows are cash outflows incurred to fulfil contractual obligations, consisting of the 
following:

(cid:129) 

The  guaranteed  benefits  based  on  contractual  terms,  including  payments  for  deaths, 
disabilities, diseases, survivals, maturities and surrenders. 

(cid:129) 

Additional non-guaranteed benefits, such as policyholder dividends. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

104

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.8  Insurance contracts and investment contracts (continued)

2.8.2  Insurance contracts (continued)

2.8.2.a Recognition and measurement (continued)

(ii) 

Long-term insurance contracts (continued)

(cid:129) 

Reasonable  expenses  incurred  to  manage  insurance  contracts  or  to  process  claims, 
including  maintenance  expenses  and  claim  settlement  expenses.  Future  administration 
expenses  are  included  in  the  maintenance  expenses.  Expenses  are  determined  based  on 
expense analysis with consideration of estimate of future inflation and the likely impact of 
the Group’s expense management.

Various assumptions for the estimates will be reviewed at the end of each reporting period and 
any changes will be recognized in the net profit. 

On each reporting date, the Group reviews the assumptions for reasonable estimates of liability 
and  risk  margins,  with  consideration  of  all  available  information,  and  taking  into  account  the 
Group’s  historical  experience  and  expectation  of  future  events.  Changes  in  assumptions  are 
recognized  in  net  profit.  Assumptions  for  residual  margin  are  locked  in  at  policy  issuance  and 
are not adjusted at each reporting date.

(b)  Margin  has  been  taken  into  consideration  while  computing  the  reserve  of  insurance  contracts, 
measured separately and recognized in the net profit in each period over the life of the contracts. 
At the inception of the contracts, the Group doesn’t recognize Day 1 gain, whereas on the other 
hand, Day 1 loss is recognized in the net profit as incurred.

Margin  comprises  of  risk  margin  and  residual  margin.  Risk  margin  is  the  reserve  accrued  to 
compensate  for  the  uncertain  amount  and  timing  of  future  cash  flows.  At  the  inception  of 
the  contract,  the  residual  margin  is  calculated  net  of  certain  acquisition  costs  by  the  Group 
representing  Day  1  gain  and  will  be  amortized  over  the  life  of  the  contracts.  The  subsequent 
measurement  of  residual  margin  is  independent  from  best  estimate  of  future  discounted  cash 
flows and risk margin. The assumption changes have no effect on the subsequent measurement 
of residual margin.

(c)  The  Group  has  considered  the  impact  of  time  value  on  the  reserve  calculation  for  insurance 

contracts.

(iii)  Universal life contracts and unit-linked contracts

Universal life contracts and unit-linked contracts are unbundled into the following components:

(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 

Insurance components
Non-insurance components

The  insurance  components  are  accounted  for  as  insurance  contracts;  and  the  non-insurance 
components  are  accounted  for  as  investment  contracts  (Note  2.8.3),  which  are  stated  in  the 
investment contracts liabilities.

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

105

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.8  Insurance contracts and investment contracts (continued)

2.8.2  Insurance contracts (continued)

2.8.2.b Liability adequacy test

The Group assesses the adequacy of insurance contract reserves using the current estimate of future cash flow 
with  available  information  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period.  If  that  assessment  shows  that  the  carrying 
amount of its insurance liabilities (less related intangible assets, if applicable) is inadequate in the light of the 
estimated future cash flows, the insurance contract reserves will be adjusted accordingly, and any changes of 
the insurance contract liabilities will be recognized in the net profit.

2.8.2.c Reinsurance contracts held

Contracts  with  reinsurers  under  which  the  Group  is  compensated  for  losses  on  one  or  more  contracts 
issued  by  the  Group  and  that  meet  the  classification  requirements  for  insurance  contracts  are  classified  as 
reinsurance  contracts  held.  Contracts  with  reinsurers  that  do  not  meet  these  classification  requirements  are 
classified as financial assets. Insurance contracts entered into by the Group under which the contract holder 
is another insurer (inwards reinsurance) are included with insurance contracts.

The  benefits  to  which  the  Group  is  entitled  under  its  reinsurance  contracts  held  are  recognized  as 
reinsurance  assets.  Amounts  recoverable  from  or  due  to  reinsurers  are  measured  consistently  with  the 
amounts  associated  with  the  reinsured  insurance  contracts  and  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  each 
reinsurance  contract.  Reinsurance  liabilities  are  primarily  premiums  payable  for  reinsurance  contracts  and 
are recognized as an expense when due.

The  Group  assesses  its  reinsurance  assets  for  impairment  as  at  the  end  of  reporting  period.  If  there  is 
objective  evidence  that  the  reinsurance  asset  is  impaired,  the  Group  reduces  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
reinsurance asset to its recoverable amount and recognizes that impairment loss in the net profit.

2.8.3  Investment contracts 

Revenue from investment contracts with or without DPF is recognized as policy fee income, which consists 
of  various  charges  (policy  fees,  handling  fees  and  management  fees,  etc.)  during  the  period.  Excess  charges 
over  certain  acquisition  cost  are  deferred  as  unearned  revenue  and  amortized  over  the  expected  life  of  the 
contracts. 

Except for unit-linked contracts, of which the liabilities are carried at fair value, the liabilities of investment 
contracts are carried at amortised cost.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

106

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.8  Insurance contracts and investment contracts (continued)

2.8.4  DPF in long-term insurance contracts and investment contracts 

DPF  is  contained  in  certain  long-term  insurance  contracts  and  investment  contracts.  These  contracts 
are  collectively  called  participating  contracts.  The  Group  is  obligated  to  pay  to  the  policyholders  of 
participating  contracts  as  a  group  higher  of  70%  of  accumulated  surplus  available  and  the  rate  specified 
in  the  contracts.  The  accumulated  surplus  available  mainly  arises  from  net  investment  income  and  gains 
and  losses  arising  from  the  assets  supporting  these  contracts.  To  the  extent  unrealised  gains  or  losses  from 
available-for-sale  securities  affect  the  surplus  owed  to  policyholders,  shadow  adjustments  are  recognized 
in  other  comprehensive  income.  The  surplus  owed  to  policyholders  is  recognized  as  policyholder  dividend 
payable whether it is declared or not. The amount and timing of distribution to individual policyholders of 
participating contracts are subject to future declarations by the Group.

2.9  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 
amortised cost, i.e. their cost plus accrued interest at the end of the reporting period. It is the Group’s policy 
to maintain effective control over securities sold under agreements to repurchase which includes maintaining 
physical possession of the securities. Accordingly, such securities continue to be carried on the consolidated 
statement of financial position.

2.10 Derivative instruments

Derivatives  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  on  the  date  on  which  a  derivative  contract  is  entered  into 
and  are  subsequently  re-measured  at  their  fair  value.  The  resulting  gain  or  loss  of  derivative  financial 
instruments is recognized in net profit. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices in active markets, 
taking  into  consideration  recent  market  transactions  or  valuation  techniques,  including  discounted  cash 
flow  models  and  options  pricing  models,  as  appropriate.  The  best  evidence  of  the  fair  value  of  a  derivative 
at  initial  recognition  is  the  transaction  price  (i.e.  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  given  or  received) 
unless  the  fair  value  of  that  instrument  is  evidenced  by  comparison  with  other  observable  current  market 
transactions  in  the  same  instrument  (i.e.  without  modification  or  repackaging)  or  based  on  a  valuation 
technique  whose  variables  include  only  data  from  observable  markets.  All  derivatives  are  carried  as  assets 
when fair value is positive and as liabilities when fair value is negative. 

Embedded  derivatives  that  are  not  closely  related  to  their  host  contracts  and  meet  the  definition  of  a 
derivative  are  separated  and  fair  valued  through  profit  or  loss.  The  Group  does  not  separately  measure 
embedded  derivatives  that  meet  the  definition  of  an  insurance  contract  or  embedded  derivatives  that  are 
closely relate to host insurance contracts including embedded options to surrender insurance contracts for a 
fixed amount (or an amount based on a fixed amount and an interest rate). 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

107

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.11 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.  In  addition  to  the  government-sponsored  pension  plans,  the  Group 
established an employee annuity plan pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC, whereby the 
Group are required to contribute to the schemes at fixed rates of the employees’ salary costs. Contributions 
to these plans are expensed as incurred. Under these plans, the Group has no legal or constructive obligation 
for retirement benefit beyond the contributions made.

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.

Stock appreciation rights

Compensation  under  the  stock  appreciation  rights  is  measured  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  liabilities 
incurred and is expensed over the vesting period. Valuation techniques including option pricing models are 
used  to  estimate  fair  value  of  relevant  liabilities.  The  liability  is  re-measured  at  the  end  of  each  reporting 
period to its fair value until settlement. Fair value changes in the vesting period is included in administrative 
expenses and changes after vesting period is included in net fair value gains/(losses)  through income  in  the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The related liability is included in other liabilities.

2.12 Share capital

Shares are classified as equity when there is no obligation to transfer cash or other assets. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of equity instruments are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

108

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.13 Revenue recognition

Turnover of the Group represents the total revenues which include the following:

Premiums 

Premiums from long-term insurance contracts are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholders.

Premiums from the sale of short duration 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.  Contracts  for 
which the period of risk differs significantly from the contract period recognize premiums over the period of 
risk in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.

Policy fee income

Revenue  from  investment  contracts  is  recognized  as  policy  fee  income,  which  consists  of  various  charges 
(policy  fees,  handling  fees  and  management  fees,  etc.)  over  period  service  is  provided.  Excess  charges  over 
certain  acquisition  costs  are  deferred  as  unearned  revenue  and  amortized  over  the  expected  life  of  the 
contracts. Policy fee income is recognised in revenue as part of other income.

Investment income

Investment  income  is  comprised  of  interest  income  from  term  deposits,  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  debt 
securities, securities purchased under agreements to resell, loans, and dividend income from equity securities. 
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is 
recognized when the right to receive dividend payment is established.

2.14 Current and deferred income taxation

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the net profit, except 
to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  items  recognized  directly  in  other  comprehensive  income  where  the  tax  is 
recognized in other comprehensive income.

The  current  income  tax  charge  is  calculated  on  the  basis  of  the  tax  laws  enacted  or  substantively  enacted 
at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  in  the  jurisdictions  where  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  operate  and 
generate  taxable  income.  Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  with  respect  to  situations  in 
which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation.

Deferred  income  tax  is  recognized,  using  the  liability  method,  on  temporary  differences  arising  between 
the  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  carrying  amounts  in  the  financial  statements.  Substantively 
enacted tax rates are used in the determination of deferred income tax.

Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will 
be available against which the temporary differences can be recognized.

Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  on  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in  subsidiaries  and 
associates  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.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

109

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.15 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  net  profit  on  a 
straight-line basis over the lease periods.

2.16 Provisions and Contingencies

Provisions  are  recognised  when  the  Group  has  a  present  legal  or  constructive  obligation  as  a  result  of  past 
events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount 
has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

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 recognized 
because it is not probable that outflow of resources will be required or the amount of obligation cannot be 
measured reliably.

A contingent liability is not recognized in the statement of financial position 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 recognized as a provision.

2.17 Dividend distribution

Dividend  distribution  to  the  Company’s  equity  holders  is  recognized  as  a  liability  in  the  Group’s  financial 
statements in the year in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s equity holders.

3  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS IN APPLYING 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The  Group  makes  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities.  Estimates 
and  judgments  are  continually  evaluated  and  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors,  including 
expectations  of  future  events  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances.  The  Group  exercises 
significant judgement in making appropriate assumptions.

Areas  susceptible  to  changes  in  critical  estimates  and  judgements,  which  affect  the  carrying  value  of  assets  and 
liabilities, are set out below. It is possible that actual results may be different from the estimates and judgements 
referred to below.

3.1  Estimate  of  future  benefit  payments  and  premiums  arising  from  long-term  insurance 

contracts
The  determination  of  the  liabilities  under  long-term  insurance  contracts  is  based  on  estimates  of  future 
benefit payments, premiums and relevant expenses made by the Group, and the margins. Assumptions about 
mortality  rates,  morbidity  rates,  lapse  rates,  discount  rates  and  expenses  assumption  are  made  based  on  the 
most recent historical analysis and current and future economic conditions. The liability uncertainty arising 
from uncertain future benefit payments, premiums and relevant expenses, is reflected in the risk margin.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

110

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

3  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS IN APPLYING 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.1  Estimate  of  future  benefit  payments  and  premiums  arising  from  long-term  insurance 

contracts (continued)
The residual margin relating to the long-term insurance contracts is amortized over the expected life of the 
contracts, based on the assumptions (mortality rates, morbidity rates, lapse rates, discount rates and expenses 
assumption) that are determined at inception of the contracts and remain unchanged for the duration of the 
contracts.

The  judgements  exercised  in  the  valuation  of  insurance  contract  liabilities  (including  contracts  with  DPF) 
affect  the  amounts  recognised  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  insurance  contract  benefits  and 
insurance contract liabilities.

The various assumptions are described in Note 13.

3.2  Investments

The Group’s principal investments are debt securities, equity securities, term deposits and loans. The critical 
estimates  and  judgments  are  those  associated  with  the  recognition  of  impairment  and  the  determination  of 
fair value.

The Group considers a wide range of factors in the impairment assessment as described in Note 2.6.f.

Fair  value  is  defined  as  the  amount  at  which  the  financial  assets  and  liabilities  could  be  exchanged  in  a 
current  transaction  between  knowledgeable  willing  parties  in  an  arm’s  length  transaction,  rather  than  in  a 
forced or liquidation sale. The methods and assumptions used by the Group in estimating the fair value of 
the financial assets are as follows:

– 

– 

– 

– 

Debt  securities:  fair  values  are  generally  based  upon  current  bid  prices.  Where  current  bid  prices  are 
not readily available, fair values are estimated using either prices observed in recent transactions, values 
obtained from current bid prices of comparable investments or valuation techniques when the market 
is not active.

Equity  securities:  fair  values  are  generally  based  upon  current  bid  prices.  Where  current  bid  prices 
are  not  readily  available,  fair  values  are  estimated  using  either  prices  observed  in  recent  transactions 
or commonly used market pricing model. Equity securities, for which fair values cannot be measured 
reliably, are recognized at cost less impairment.

Term  deposits  (excluding  structured  deposits),  loans  and  securities  purchased  or  sold  under 
agreements  to  resell  or  repurchase:  the  carrying  amounts  of  these  assets  in  the  statement  of  financial 
position approximate fair value.

Structured  deposits:  the  market  for  structured  deposits  is  not  active  and  the  Group  establishes  fair 
value  by  using  discounted  cash  flow  analysis  and  option  pricing  models  as  the  valuation  technique. 
The Group uses the US dollar swap rate (the benchmark rate) to determine the fair value of financial 
instruments. 

The valuation methodology of various investments is described in Note 4.3.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

111

3  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS IN APPLYING 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.3  Income tax

The  Group  is  subjected  to  income  tax  in  various  localities.  During  the  normal  course  of  business,  certain 
transaction and activity for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group needs to exercise 
significant  judgment  when  determining  the  income  tax.  If  the  final  settlement  result  of  the  tax  matters  are 
different  from  the  amount  booked,  these  differences  will  impact  the  final  income  tax  expense  and  deferred 
tax for the period.

4 

RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk  management  is  carried  out  by  the  Risk  Management  Committee  under  policies  approved  by  the  Board  of 
Directors.

The  Group  issues  contracts  that  transfer  insurance  risk  or  financial  risk  or  both.  This  section  summarises  these 
risks and the way the Group manages them.

4.1  Insurance risk 

4.1.1  Types of Insurance risks

The  risk  under  any  one  insurance  contract  is  the  possibility  that  an  insured  event  occurs  and  there  is 
uncertainty about the amount of the resulting claim. By the very nature of an insurance contract, this risk is 
random and therefore unpredictable. For a portfolio of insurance contracts where the theory of probability 
is applied to pricing and provisioning, the principal risk that the Group faces under its insurance contracts 
is  that  the  actual  claims  and  benefit  payments  exceed  the  carrying  amount  of  the  insurance  liabilities.  This 
occurs  when  the  frequency  or  severity  of  claims  and  benefits  exceeds  the  estimates.  Insurance  events  are 
random and the actual number of claims and the amount of benefits paid will vary each year from estimates 
established using statistical techniques.

Experience  shows  that  the  larger  the  portfolio  of  similar  insurance  contracts,  the  smaller  the  relative 
variability  about  the  expected  outcome  will  be.  In  addition,  a  more  diversified  portfolio  is  less  likely  to  be 
affected across the board by a change in any subset of the portfolio. The Group has developed its insurance 
underwriting strategy to diversify the type of insurance risks accepted and within each of these categories to 
achieve a sufficiently large population of risks to reduce the variability of the expected outcome. The Group 
manages insurance risk through underwriting strategy, reinsurance arrangements and claims handling.

The  Group  manages  insurance  risks  through  two  types  of  reinsurance  agreements,  ceding  on  a  quota  share 
basis  or  a  surplus  basis,  to  cover  insurance  liability  risk.  The  products  reinsured  include:  life  insurance, 
accident  and  health  insurance  or  death,  disability,  accident,  illness  and  assistance  in  terms  of  product 
category or function respectively. These reinsurances agreements spread insured risk to a certain extent and 
reduce  the  effect  of  potential  losses  to  the  Group.  However,  the  Group’s  direct  insurance  liabilities  to  the 
policyholder are not eliminated because of credit risk associated with the failure of reinsurance companies to 
fulfil their responsibilities.

4.1.2  Concentration of insurance risks

The  Group  offers  life  insurance,  annuity,  accident  and  health  insurance  products.  All  operations  of  the 
Group  are  located  in  the  PRC.  There  are  no  significant  differences  among  the  regions  where  the  Group 
underwrites insurance contracts.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

112

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.1  Insurance risk (continued)

4.1.2  Concentration of insurance risks (continued)

The table below presents the Group’s major products of long-term insurance contracts:

Product name 

2010 

2009

RMB million 

% 

RMB million 

%

Premiums
Hong Ying Endowment (a) 
Hong Fu Endowment (b) 
Hong Feng Endowment (c) 
Kang Ning Whole Life (d) 
Hong Tai Endowment (2003) (e) 
Others (f) 

68,612 
44,320 
29,868 
28,853 
7,419 
124,182 

22.63% 
14.61% 
9.85% 
9.51% 
2.45% 
40.95% 

– 
54,919 
59,229 
30,151 
11,300 
106,306 

0.00%
20.97%
22.61%
11.51%
4.31%
40.60%

Total 

303,254 

100.00% 

261,905 

100.00%

Insurance benefits expenses
Hong Ying Endowment (a) 
Hong Fu Endowment (b) 
Hong Feng Endowment (c) 
Kang Ning Whole Life (d) 
Hong Tai Endowment (2003) (e) 
Others (f) 

27 
146 
28,869 
2,879 
1,980 
11,640 

0.06% 
0.32% 
63.39% 
6.32% 
4.35% 
25.56% 

– 
36 
464 
2,772 
29,173 
19,111 

0.00%
0.07%
0.90%
5.38%
56.59%
37.06%

Total 

45,541 

100.00% 

51,556 

100.00%

Liabilities of long-term
insurance contracts

Hong Ying Endowment (a) 
Hong Fu Endowment (b) 
Hong Feng Endowment (c) 
Kang Ning Whole Life (d) 
Hong Tai Endowment (2003) (e) 
Others (f) 

62,538 
100,375 
260,896 
104,800 
31,479 
448,808 

6.20% 
9.95% 
25.85% 
10.39% 
3.12% 
44.49% 

– 
58,369 
265,270 
85,260 
28,757 
371,567 

0.00%
7.21%
32.78%
10.54%
3.55%
45.92%

Total 

1,008,896 

100.00% 

809,223 

100.00%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

113

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.1  Insurance risk (continued)

4.1.2  Concentration of insurance risks (continued)

(a)  Hong  Ying  is  long-term  individual  endowment  insurance  contract  with  options  for  premium  term 
of  single,  3  years,  5  years  and  10  years,  designed  for  healthy  policyholders  of  age  between  30  days 
and  70  years  old.  Maturity  benefit  for  lump  sum  premium  is  paid  at  100%  of  basic  sum  insured. 
Maturity  benefit  for  regular  premium  is  paid  at  basic  sum  insured  multiplied  by  number  of  year  of 
premium payments. Disease death benefit incurred within one year after contract effective date is paid 
at premium received (without interest). Disease death benefits incurred exceed one year after contract 
effective  date  are  paid  at  basic  sum  insured  and  basic  sum  insured  multiplied  by  number  of  year  of 
premium  payments  for  lump  sum  premium  and  regular  premium  respectively.  For  accident  death 
occurs on train, ship or flight, accident death benefit is paid at 300% of basic sum insured and 300% 
of basic sum insured multiplied by number of year of premium payments for lump sum premium and 
regular premium respectively. For accident death not on train, ship and flight, accident death benefit 
is paid at 200% of basic sum insured and 200% of basic sum insured multiplied by number of year of 
premium payments for lump sum premium and regular premium respectively.

(b)  Hong  Fu  is  long-term  individual  endowment  insurance  contract  with  options  for  premium  term 
of  single  and  3  year,  designed  for  healthy  policyholders  of  age  between  30  days  and  60  years  old. 
Maturity  benefit  for  lump  sum  premium  is  paid  at  100%  of  basic  sum  insured.  Maturity  benefit  for 
regular  premium  is  paid  at  basic  sum  insured  multiplied  by  number  of  year  of  premium  payments. 
Disease death benefit incurred within one year after contract effective date is paid at premium received 
(without interest). Disease death benefits incurred exceed one year after contract effective date are paid 
at  basic  sum  insured  and  basic  sum  insured  multiplied  by  number  of  year  of  premium  payments  for 
lump sum premium and regular premium respectively. Accident death benefit is paid at 300% of basic 
sum insured and 300% of basic sum insured multiplied by number of year of premium payments for 
lump sum premium and regular premium respectively.

(c)  Hong  Feng  is  long-term  individual  endowment  insurance  contract  with  options  for  premium  term 
of  single.  Insured  period  can  be  5  years  or  10  years.  The  insured  can  be  benefited  up  to  age  of  65. 
Maturity  benefit  is  paid  at  100%  of  basic  sum  insured.  Disease  death  benefit  incurred  within  one 
year after contract effective date is paid at premium received (without interest). Disease death benefit 
incurred  exceed  one  year  after  contract  effective  date  is  paid  at  basic  sum  insured.  Accident  death 
benefit is paid at 300% of basic sum insured.

(d)  Kang Ning Whole Life is long-term individual whole life insurance contract with options for premium 
term of single, 10 years or 20 years. Its critical illness benefit accounts for 200% of basic sum insured. 
Both  death  and  disability  benefit  are  paid  at  300%  of  basic  sum  insured  less  any  paid  critical  illness 
benefit.

(e)  Hong  Tai  (2003)  is  long-term  individual  endowment  insurance  contract  with  options  for  premium 
term of single and 5 years, 10 years, 15 years and 20 years, designed for healthy policyholders of age 
between 30 days and 60 years old. Maturity benefit for lump sum premium is paid at 100% of basic 
sum insured. Maturity benefit for regular premium is paid at basic sum insured multiplied by number 
of  year  of  premium  payments.  Disease  death  benefit  incurred  within  one  year  after  contract  effective 
date  is  paid  at  premium  received  (without  interest).  Disease  death  benefits  incurred  exceed  one  year 
after contract effective date are paid at basic sum insured and basic sum insured multiplied by number 
of year of premium payments for lump sum premium and regular premium respectively.

(f)  Others consist of various long-term insurance contracts with no significant concentration.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

114

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.1  Insurance risk (continued)

4.1.3  Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitive analysis of long-term insurance contracts

Liabilities for long-term insurance contracts and liabilities unbundled from universal life insurance contracts 
and unit-linked insurance contracts with insurance risk are calculated based on the assumptions on mortality 
rates,  morbidity  rates,  lapse  rates  and  discount  rates.  Changes  in  insurance  contract  reserve  assumptions 
reflect  the  Group’s  actual  operating  results  and  changes  in  its  expectation  of  future  events.  The  Group 
considers the potential impact of future risk factors on its operating results and incorporates such potential 
impact in the determination of assumptions.

Holding all other variables constant, if mortality rates and morbidity rates were to increase or decrease from 
current  best  estimate  by  10%,  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year  would  have  been  RMB  9,993  million  or  RMB 
10,435 million (2009: RMB 8,899 million or RMB 9,290 million) lower or higher, respectively.

Holding all other variables constant, if lapse rates were to increase or decrease from current best estimate by 
10%, pre-tax profit for the year would have been RMB 5,862 million or RMB 6,221 million (2009: RMB 
5,426 million or RMB 5,802 million) lower or higher, respectively.

Holding all other variables constant, if the discount rates were 50 basis points higher or lower than current 
best  estimate,  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year  would  have  been  RMB  26,858  million  or  RMB  31,084  million 
(2009: RMB 23,429 million or RMB 27,157 million) higher or lower, respectively.

Sensitive analysis of short-term insurance contracts

The  assumptions  of  reserves  for  claims  and  claim  adjustment  expenses  may  be  affected  by  other  variables 
such as claims payment of short term insurance contracts, which may result in the synchronous changes to 
reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses.

Holding  all  other  variables  constant,  if  loss  ratios  are  100  basis  points  higher  or  lower  than  current 
assumption, pre-tax profit is expected to be RMB 149 million lower or higher, respectively (2009: RMB 132 
million). Management believes that the 100 basis points deviation used in the sensitivity analysis represents a 
deviation in the expected level of claims that could be reasonably expected for this type of business.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

115

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.1  Insurance risk (continued)

4.1.3  Sensitivity Analysis (continued)

The  following  table  indicates  the  claim  development  for  short-term  insurance  contracts  without  taking 
account of reinsurance impacts:

Estimated claims expenses 

2006 

Short-term insurance contracts (accident year)
2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

Total

Current year 
1 year later 
2 years later 
3 years later 
4 years later 

6,771 
6,074 
6,168 
6,168 
6,168

7,082 
6,891 
6,990 
6,990

7,725 
7,591 
7,411

8,102 
8,291

8,826

Estimated claims expenses 

6,168 

6,990 

7,411 

8,291 

8,826 

37,686

Accumulated claims
  expenses paid 

(6,168) 

(6,990) 

(7,411) 

(7,854) 

(5,959) 

(34,382)

Unpaid claims expenses 

– 

– 

– 

437 

2,867 

3,304

The  following  table  indicates  the  claim  development  for  short-term  insurance  contracts  taking  account  of 
reinsurance impacts:

Estimated claims expenses 

2006 

Short-term insurance contracts (accident year)
2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

Total

Current year 
1 year later 
2 years later 
3 years later 
4 years later 

6,703 
6,013 
6,106 
6,106 
6,106

7,036 
6,847 
6,945 
6,945

7,671 
7,538 
7,360

8,018 
8,205

8,741

Estimated claims expenses 

6,106 

6,945 

7,360 

8,205 

8,741 

37,357

Accumulated claims
  expenses paid 

(6,106) 

(6,945) 

(7,360) 

(7,772) 

(5,902) 

(34,085)

Unpaid claims expenses 

– 

– 

– 

433 

2,839 

3,272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

116

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk

The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety of financial risks. The key financial risk is that proceeds from 
the sale of financial assets will not be sufficient to fund obligations arising from the Group’s insurance and 
investment  contracts.  The  most  important  components  of  financial  risk  are  market  risk,  credit  risk  and 
liquidity risk.

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 manages financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units. The 
Group  provides  written  principles  for  overall  risk  management,  as  well  as  written  policies  covering  specific 
areas, such as managing market risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk.

The Group manages financial risk by holding an appropriately diversified investment portfolio as permitted 
by  laws  and  regulations  designed  to  reduce  the  risk  of  concentration  in  any  one  specific  industry  or  issuer. 
The  structure  of  the  investment  portfolio  held  by  the  Group  is  disclosed  in  Note  8  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements.

The sensitivity analyses below are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions 
constant. In practice this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated (for 
example, change in interest rate and change in market price).

4.2.1  Market risk

(i) 

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. The Group’s financial assets are principally comprised of term deposits and debt 
securities. Changes in the level of interest rates could have a significant impact on the Group’s overall 
investment  return.  Many  of  the  Group’s  insurance  policies  offer  guaranteed  returns  to  policyholders. 
These guarantees expose the Group to interest rate risk.

The Group manages interest rate risk through adjustments to portfolio structure and duration, and, to 
the extent possible, by monitoring the mean duration of its assets and liabilities.

The  sensitivity  analysis  for  interest  rate  risk  illustrates  how  changes  in  interest  income  and  the  fair 
value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates at the end of the reporting period.

At  31  December  2010,  if  market  interest  rates  were  50  basis  points  higher  or  lower  with  all  other 
variables held constant, pre-tax profit for the year would have been RMB 1,066 million (2009: RMB 
823  million)  higher  or  lower,  respectively,  mainly  as  a  result  of  higher  or  lower  interest  income  on 
floating  rate  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  term  deposits,  statutory  deposits  and  debt  securities  and  the 
fair value losses or gains on debt securities at fair value through income, net of portion attributable to 
participating  policyholders.  Pre-tax  available-for-sale  reserve  in  equity  would  have  been  RMB  8,771 
million (2009: RMB 7,583 million) lower or higher respectively as a result of a decrease or increase in 
the fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of portion attributable to participating policyholders.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

117

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.1  Market risk (continued)

(ii) 

Price risk

Price  risk  arises  mainly  from  the  volatility  of  prices  of  equity  securities  held  by  the  Group.  Prices  of 
equity securities are determined by market forces. The Group is subject to increased price risk largely 
because China’s stock markets are relatively volatile. 

The  Group  manages  price  risk  by  holding  an  appropriately  diversified  investment  portfolio  as 
permitted  by  laws  and  regulations  designed  to  reduce  the  risk  of  concentration  in  any  one  specific 
industry or issuer.

At 31 December 2010, if all the Group’s equity securities’ prices had increased or decreased by 10% 
with  all  other  variables  held  constant,  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year  would  have  been  RMB113  million 
(2009:  RMB  127  million)  higher  or  lower,  respectively,  mainly  as  a  result  of  an  increase  or  decrease 
in  fair  value  of  equity  securities  excluding  available-for-sale  securities,  net  of  portion  attributable  to 
participating  policyholders.  Pre-tax  available-for-sale  reserve  in  equity  would  have  been  RMB  11,942 
million higher or lower (2009: RMB 11,470 million) as a result of an increase or decrease in fair value 
of available-for-sale equity securities, net of portion attributable to participating policyholders.

(iii)  Currency risk

Currency  risk  is  volatility  of  fair  value  or  future  cash  flows  of  financial  instruments  resulting  from 
changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates.  The  Group  operates  principally  in  the  PRC  except  for 
limited  exposure  to  foreign  exchange  rate  risk  arising  primarily  with  respect  to  structured  deposits, 
debt securities and common stocks denominated in US dollar or HK dollar.

The Group holds shares traded on the HK stock market, which are traded in HK dollars. Investment 
income from H share holdings partially compensates adverse impact of appreciation of Renminbi. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

118

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.1  Market risk (continued)

(iii)  Currency risk  (continued)

The  following  table  summarizes  financial  assets  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  RMB  as  at  31 
December 2010 and 2009, expressed in RMB equivalent:

As at 31 December 2010 

US dollars 

HK dollars 

Total

Equity securities
  – Available-for-sale securities 
Debt securities
  – Held-to-maturity securities 
  – Available-for-sale securities 
Term deposits (excluding structured deposits) 
Structured deposits 
Cash and cash equivalents 

– 

1,987 
– 
33 
– 
8,855 

5,845 

6 
20 
– 
– 
1,458 

5,845

1,993
20
33
–
10,313

Total 

10,875 

7,329 

18,204

As at 31 December 2009 

US dollars 

HK dollars 

Total

Equity securities
  – Available-for-sale securities 
Debt securities
  – Held-to-maturity securities 
  – Available-for-sale securities 
Term deposits (excluding structured deposits) 
Structured deposits 
Cash and cash equivalents 

– 

13,570 

13,570

2,048 
854 
6,814 
273 
1,911 

7 
– 
– 
– 
1,538 

2,055
854
6,814
273
3,449

Total 

11,900 

15,115 

27,015

Monetary  assets  are  exposed  to  currency  risk  whereas  non-monetary  assets,  such  as  equity  securities, 
are  exposed  to  price  risk.  As  at  31  December  2010,  if  RMB  had  strengthened  or  weakened  by  10% 
against  US  dollar  and  HK  dollar  with  all  other  variables  held  constant,  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year 
would have been RMB 1,236 million (2009: RMB 1,345 million) lower or higher, respectively, mainly 
as a result of foreign exchange losses or gains on translation of US dollar and HK dollar denominated 
financial assets other than the equity securities included in the table above. The actual exchange loss in 
year 2010 is RMB 392 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

119

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.2  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.  Because  the  Group  is  limited 
in  the  types  of  investments  as  permitted  by  China  Insurance  Regulatory  Commission  (“CIRC”)  and  a 
significant  portion  of  the  portfolio  is  in  government  bonds,  government  agency  bonds  and  term  deposits 
with the state-owned commercial banks, the Group’s overall exposure to credit risk is relatively low.

Credit  risk  is  controlled  by  the  application  of  credit  approvals,  limits  and  monitoring  procedures.  The 
Group  manages  credit  risk  through  in-house  fundamental  analysis  of  the  Chinese  economy  and  the 
underlying obligors and transaction structures. Where appropriate, the Group obtains collateral in the form 
of rights to cash, securities, property and equipment.

Credit risk exposure

The  carrying  amount  of  financial  assets  included  on  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position 
represents  the  maximum  credit  risk  exposure  without  taking  account  of  any  collateral  held  or  other  credit 
enhancements  attached.  The  Group  has  no  credit  risk  exposure  relating  to  off  balance  sheet  items  as  at  31 
December 2010 and 2009.

Collateral and other credit enhancements

Securities purchased under agreements to resell are pledged by counterpart’s debt securities or term deposits 
of  which  the  Group  could  take  the  ownership  should  the  owner  of  the  collateral  default.  Policy  loans  and 
premium receivables are collateralized by their policies’ cash value according to the terms and conditions of 
policy loan contracts and policy contracts respectively signed by the Group together with policyholders.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

120

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.2  Credit risk (continued)

Credit quality

The  Group’s  debt  securities  investment  includes  government  bonds,  government  agency  bonds,  corporate 
bonds and subordinated bonds or debts, and most of the debt securities are guaranteed by either the Chinese 
government or a Chinese government controlled financial institution. As at 31 December 2010, 100% (as at 
31 December 2009: 100%) of the corporate bonds held by the Group have credit rating of AA/A-2 or above. 
As at 31 December 2010, 99.1% (as at 31 December 2009: 99.5%) of the subordinated bonds or debts held 
by  the  Group  either  have  credit  rating  of  AA/A-2  or  above,  or  were  issued  by  national  commercial  banks. 
The bond or debt’s credit rating is assigned by a qualified appraisal institution in the PRC at the time of its 
issuance.

As  at  31  December  2010,  100%  (as  at  31  December  2009:  100%)  of  the  Group’s  bank  deposits  are  with 
the  four  largest  state-owned  commercial  banks,  other  national  commercial  banks  and  China  Securities 
Depository  and  Clearing  Corporation  Limited  (CSDCC)  in  the  PRC,  and  almost  all  of  the  reinsurance 
agreements of the Group are with a state-owned reinsurance company. The Group believes these commercial 
banks,  CSDCC  and  the  reinsurance  company  have  a  high  credit  quality.  As  a  result,  the  Group  concludes 
credit  risk  associated  with  term  deposits  and  accrued  investment  income  thereof,  statutory  deposits-
restricted,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  reinsurance  assets  will  not  cause  material  impact  on  the  Group’s 
consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2010 and 2009.

The  credit  risk  associated  with  securities  purchased  under  agreements  to  resell,  policy  loans  and  premium 
receivables  will  not  cause  a  material  impact  on  the  Group’s  consolidated  financial  statements  taking  into 
consideration of their collateral held and maturity term of no more than one year as at 31 December 2010 
and 2009.

4.2.3  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  financial  assets  to  the 
maturity of insurance and financial liabilities.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

121

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.3  Liquidity risk (continued)

The  following  tables  set  forth  the  contractual  and  expected  undiscounted  cash  flows  for  financial  assets, 
insurance and financial liabilities:

As at 31 December 2010 

Financial assets

Contractual cash

inflows/(outflows)
  Equity securities 
  Debt securities 
  Loans 
  Term deposits 
  Statutory deposits-restricted 
  Accrued investment income 
  Premiums receivable 
  Cash and cash equivalent 

Carrying 
amount 

Without 
maturity 

195,899 
608,142 
36,543 
441,585 
6,153 
18,193 
7,274 
47,839 

195,899 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Contractual and expected cash flows
(undiscounted)

Later than 1 
year but not 
later than 3 
years 

Later than 3
years but not 
later than 5 
years 

– 
68,533 
1,602 
152,241 
5,913 
656 
– 
– 

– 
97,955 
3,330 
246,050 
214 
– 
– 
– 

Not 
later 
than 1 
year 

– 
42,602 
24,754 
30,097 
522 
17,537 
7,274 
47,839 

Later
than 5
years

–
733,144
13,689
85,383
–
–
–
–

Subtotal 

1,361,628 

195,899 

170,625 

228,945 

347,549 

832,216

Financial and

insurance liabilities

Expected cash
  outflows/(inflows)
Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 

Contractual cash
  outflows/(inflows)
  Securities sold under

  agreements to repurchase 
  Annuity and other insurance

  balances payable 

1,018,135 
70,087 

23,065 

8,275 

Subtotal 

1,119,562 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(12,805) 
15,566 

59,027 
18,495 

98,822 
14,320 

1,679,736
47,219

23,065 

8,275 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

34,101 

77,522 

113,142 

1,726,955

Net cash inflows/(outflows) 

242,066 

195,899 

136,524 

151,423 

234,407 

(894,739)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

122

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.3  Liquidity risk (continued)

Contractual and expected cash flows 
(undiscounted)

Not 
later 
than 1 
year 

Later than 1 
year but not 
later than 3 
years 

Later than 3
years but not 
later than 5 
years 

Later
than 5
years

Carrying 
amount 

Without 
maturity 

179,390 
582,285 
23,081 
344,983 
6,153 
14,208 
6,818 
36,176 

179,390 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
27,803 
14,448 
91,552 
191 
14,208 
6,818 
36,176 

– 
91,257 
1,234 
79,100 
2,319 
– 
– 
– 

– 
85,720 
1,234 
149,936 
4,406 
– 
– 
– 

–
686,923
12,746
65,405
–
–
–
–

As at 31 December 2009 

Financial assets

Contractual cash

inflows/(outflows)

  Equity securities 
  Debt securities 
  Loans 
  Term deposits 
  Statutory deposits-restricted 
  Accrued investment income 
  Premiums receivable 
  Cash and cash equivalent 

Subtotal 

1,193,094 

179,390 

191,196 

173,910 

241,296 

765,074

Financial and insurance liabilities

Expected cash outflows/(inflows)

Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 

818,164 
67,274 

Contractual cash
  outflows/(inflows)
  Securities sold under

  agreements to repurchase 
  Annuity and other insurance

  balances payable 

Subtotal 

33,553 

5,721 

924,712 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(7,558) 
18,386 

34,103 
20,121 

118,673 
13,595 

1,335,276
34,352

33,553 

5,721 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

50,102 

54,224 

132,268 

1,369,628

Net cash inflows/(outflows) 

268,382 

179,390 

141,094 

119,686 

109,028 

(604,554)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

123

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.3  Liquidity risk (continued)

The  amounts  set  forth  in  the  tables  above  for  insurance  and  investment  contracts  in  each  column  are  the 
cash  flows  representing  expected  future  benefit  payments  taking  into  consideration  of  future  premiums 
payments  or  deposits  from  policyholders.  The  excess  cash  inflow  from  matured  financial  assets  will  be 
reinvested  to  cover  any  future  liquidity  exposures.  The  estimate  is  subject  to  assumptions  related  to 
mortality,  morbidity,  lapse,  loss  ratio,  expenses  assumption  and  other  assumptions.  Actual  experience  may 
differ from estimates. 

The  liquidity  analysis  above  does  not  include  policy  holder  dividends  payable  amounting  to  RMB  52,828 
million  as  at  31  December  2010  (2009:  RMB  54,587  million).  At  31  December  2010,  declared  dividends 
of  RMB  31,785  million  (2009:  RMB  23,833  million)  included  in  policyholder  dividends  payable  have  a 
maturity not later than one year. For the remaining policyholder dividends payable, the amount and timing 
of the cash flows are indeterminate due to the uncertainty of future experiences including investment returns 
and are subject to future declarations by the Group.

Although  all  investment  contracts  (with  DPF  and  without  DPF)  and  universal  life  insurance  contracts 
contain  contractual  options  to  surrender  that  can  be  exercised  immediately  by  all  policyholders  at  once, 
the  Group’s  expected  cash  flows  as  shown  in  the  above  tables  are  based  on  past  experience  and  future 
expectations.  The  other  maturity  analysis  is  conducted  on  the  assumption  that  these  contracts  were 
surrendered immediately. This would cause a cash outflow of RMB 50,434 million, RMB 3,639 million and 
RMB  15,456  million  respectively  for  the  period  ended  31  December  2010  (2009:  RMB  50,365  million, 
RMB 1,482 million and RMB 14,891 million respectively), payable within one year. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

124

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.2  Financial risk (continued)

4.2.4  Capital management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital, which is actual capital, calculated as the difference between 
admitted  assets  (defined  by  CIRC)  and  the  admitted  liabilities  (defined  by  CIRC),  are  to  comply  with 
the  insurance  capital  requirements  required  by  the  CIRC  to  meet  the  minimum  capital  and  safeguard  the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for equity holders 
and benefits for other stakeholders.

The  Group  is  also  subject  to  other  local  capital  requirements,  such  as  statutory  deposits-restricted 
requirement,  statutory  reserve  fund  requirement  and  discretionary  reserve  fund  requirement,  discussed  in 
detail under Note 8.4 and Note 31, respectively. 

The  Group  ensures  its  continuous  and  full  compliance  with  the  regulations  mainly  through  monitoring  its 
quarterly  and  annual  solvency  margin,  as  well  as  the  solvency  margin  based  on  Dynamic  Solvency  Testing. 
The Group has complied with all the local capital requirements during the year ended, 31 December 2010. 

The table below summarises the solvency ratio of the Company, the actual capital held against the minimum 
required capital: 

Actual capital 
Minimum capital 
Solvency ratio 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

123,769 
58,385 
212% 

147,119
48,459
304%

According  to  “Solvency  Regulations  of  Insurance  Companies”,  the  solvency  ratio  is  computed  by  dividing 
the actual capital by the minimum capital. CIRC closely monitors those insurance companies with solvency 
ratio  less  than  100%  and  may,  depending  on  the  individual  circumstances,  undertakes  certain  regulatory 
measures,  including  but  not  limited  to  restriction  of  payment  of  dividends.  Insurance  companies  with 
solvency ratio between 100% and 150% will be required to submit and implement plans preventing capital 
deterioration  to  an  inadequate  level.  Insurance  companies  with  solvency  ratio  above  100%  but  significant 
solvency risk identified would be required to take necessary rectifying actions.

 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

125

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.3  Fair value hierarchy 

Level  1  fair  value  is  based  on  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities 
that the entity can obtain at the measurement date.

Level 2 fair value is based on valuation technique using significant inputs, other than Level 1 quoted price, 
that are observable for the asset being measured, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term 
of the asset through corroboration with observable market data. Observable inputs generally used to measure 
the  fair  value  of  securities  classified  as  Level  2  include  quoted  market  prices  for  similar  assets  in  active 
markets; quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets and other market 
observable  inputs.  This  level  includes  the  debt  securities  for  which  quotations  are  available  from  pricing 
services  providers.  Fair  value  provided  by  pricing  services  providers  are  subject  to  a  number  of  validation 
procedures  by  management.  These  procedures  include  a  review  of  the  valuation  models  utilized  and  the 
results of these models, and as well as the recalculation of prices obtained from pricing services at the end of 
each reporting period.

Under certain conditions, the Group may not received price from independent third party pricing services. 
In  this  instance,  the  Group  may  choose  to  apply  internally  developed  values  to  the  assets  being  measured. 
In  such  cases,  the  valuations  are  generally  classified  as  Level  3.  Key  inputs  involved  in  internal  valuation 
services are not based on observable market data. They reflect assumptions made by management based on 
judgements and experiences.

At 31 December 2010, investments classified as Level 1 comprise approximately 42.33% of financial assets 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements classified as Level 1 include certain debt 
securities,  equity  securities  that  are  traded  in  an  active  exchange  market  or  inter-bank  market.  The  Group 
considers a combination of certain factors to determine whether a market for a financial instrument is active, 
including the occurrence of trades within the specific period, the respective trading volume, and the degree 
which the implied yields for a debt security for observed transactions differs from the Group’s understanding 
of the current relevant market rates and information.

At  31  December  2010,  investments  classified  as  Level  2  comprise  approximately  57.37%  of  financial 
assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis.  They  primarily  include  certain  debt  securities  and  equity 
securities.  Valuations  are  generally  obtained  from  third  party  pricing  services  for  identical  or  comparable 
assets,  or  through  the  use  of  valuation  methodologies  using  observable  market  inputs,  or  recent  quoted 
market  prices.  Valuation  service  providers  typically  gather,  analyze  and  interpret  information  related  to 
market  transactions  and  other  key  valuation  model  inputs  from  multiple  sources,  and  through  the  use  of 
widely accepted internal valuation models, provide a theoretical quote on various securities.

At  31  December  2010,  investments  classified  as  Level  3  comprise  approximately  0.30%  of  financial  assets 
measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis.  They  primarily  include  subordinated  debts,  certain  corporate 
and  government  agency  bonds  and  certain  equity  securities.  Prices  are  determined  using  valuation 
methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Determinations to classify 
fair  value  measures  within  Level  3  of  the  valuation  hierarchy  are  generally  based  on  the  significance  of  the 
unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement, and valuation methodologies such as discounted 
cash flow models and other similar techniques. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

126

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.3  Fair value hierarchy (continued)

For  the  years  ended  31  December  2010  and  2009,  most  of  these  prices  obtained  from  the  pricing  services 
are  for  debt  securities  issued  by  the  Chinese  government  and  government  controlled  organizations.  These 
pricing  services  utilize  a  discounted  cash  flow  valuation  model  using  market  observable  inputs,  mainly 
interest rates, to determine a fair value. These debt securities are classified as Level 2.

For  the  accounting  policies  regarding  the  determination  of  the  fair  values  of  financial  assets  and  financial 
liabilities, see Note 3.2.

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value at 31 December 2010:

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total balance

Assets
Available-for-sale securities
  – Equity securities 
  – Debt securities 
Securities at fair value through income
  – Equity securities 
  – Debt securities 

189,600 
39,141 

2,249 
5,182 

2,685 
315,010 

– 
2,331 

1,384 
301 

– 
– 

193,669
354,452

2,249
7,513

Total assets 

236,172 

320,026 

1,685 

557,883

Liabilities
Investment contracts at

fair value through income 

Total liabilities 

(84) 

(84) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(84)

(84)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

127

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.3  Fair value hierarchy (continued)

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments for the year ended 31 December 2010:

Available-for-sale 
Securities 

Debt 
securities 

Equity 
Securities 

Securities at fair value
through income
Equity 
Securities 

Opening balance 
Total gains or losses recognized in
  – Profit or loss 
  – Other comprehensive income 
Transfer into Level 3 
Purchases 
Settlements 

301 

1,238 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
1 
17 
128 
– 

Closing balance 

301 

1,384 

Total gains or losses for 2010 included
in income for assets and liabilities

  held at 31 December 2010 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

Total
assets

1,539

–
1
17
128
–

1,685

–

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value at 31 December 2009: 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total balance

Assets
Available-for-sale securities
  – Equity securities 
  – Debt securities 
Securities at fair value through income
  – Equity securities 
  – Debt securities 

172,383 
42,308 

2,704 
2,628 

3,053 
298,216 

38 
3,763 

1,238 
301 

– 
– 

176,674
340,825

2,742
6,391

Total assets 

220,023 

305,070 

1,539 

526,632

Liabilities
Investment contracts at fair value

through income 

Total liabilities 

(52) 

(52) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(52)

(52)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

128

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

4  MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RISK (continued)

4.3  Fair value hierarchy (continued)

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments for the year ended 31 December 2009:

Available-for-sale 
Securities 

Debt 
securities 

Equity 
Securities 

Securities at fair value
through income
Equity 
Securities 

Opening balance 
Total gains or losses recognized in
  – Profit or loss 
  – Other comprehensive income/(loss) 
Transfer out of Level 3 
Purchases 
Settlements 

Closing balance 

Total gains or losses for 2009

included in income for assets

  and liabilities held
  at 31 December 2009 

385 

3 
(3) 
– 
– 
(84) 

301 

1,007 

– 
127 
(617) 
721 
– 

1,238 

– 

– 

15 

15 
– 
(30) 
– 
– 

– 

– 

Total
assets

1,407

18
124
(647)
721
(84)

1,539

–

In  2010  and  2009,  the  Group  transferred  certain  debt  and  equity  securities  between  Level  1,  Level  2  and 
Level 3 due to changes in availability of market observable inputs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

5 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

5.1  Operating segments

The Group operates in four operating segments:

129

(i) 

Individual life insurance business (Individual life)

Individual life insurance business relates primarily to the sale of long-term life insurance contracts and 
universal  life  contracts  which  are  mainly  term  life,  whole  life,  endowment  and  annuity  products,  to 
individuals and assumed individual reinsurance contracts.

(ii)  Group life insurance business (Group life)

Group  life  insurance  business  relates  primarily  to  the  sale  of  insurance  contracts  and  investment 
contracts, which are mainly term life, whole life and annuity products, to group entities.

(iii)  Short-term insurance business (Short-term)

Short-term insurance business relates primarily to the sale of short-term insurance contracts, which are 
mainly the short-term accident and health insurance contracts.

(iv)  Corporate and other business (Corporate and other)

Corporate  and  other  business  relates  primarily  to  income  and  allocated  costs  of  insurance  agency 
business  in  respect  of  the  provision  of  services  to  CLIC,  as  described  in  Note  29,  share  of  results  of 
associates, income and expenses of subsidiaries, unallocated income and expenditure of the Group.

5.2  Allocation basis of income and expenses

Investment  income,  net  realised  gains  or  losses  on  financial  assets,  net  fair  value  gains  or  losses  through 
income  and  foreign  exchange  losses  within  other  operating  expenses  are  allocated  among  segments  in 
proportion  to  each  respective  segment’s  average  liabilities  of  insurance  contracts  and  investment  contracts 
at  the  beginning  and  end  of  the  year.  Administrative  expenses  and  certain  other  operating  expenses  are 
allocated  among  segments  in  proportion  to  the  unit  cost  of  respective  products  in  the  different  segments. 
Except  for  those  arising  from  investment  contracts  which  can  be  allocated  to  the  corresponding  segments 
above,  other  income  and  other  operating  expenses  are  presented  in  the  “Corporate  &  Other”  segment 
directly. Income tax is not allocated.

5.3  Allocation basis of assets and liabilities

Financial  assets  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  are  allocated  among  segments  in 
proportion  to  each  respective  segment’s  average  liabilities  of  insurance  contracts  and  investment  contracts 
at the beginning and end of the year. Insurance liabilities are presented under the respective segments. The 
remaining assets and liabilities are not allocated.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

130

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

5 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Revenues
Gross written premiums 
   – Term Life 
  – Whole Life 
  – Endowment 
  – Annuity 
Net premiums earned 
Investment income 
Net realised gains on financial assets 
Net fair value gains through income 
Other income 

Including: inter-segment revenue 

For the year ended 31 December 2010

Individual 
life 

Group 
life 

Short- 
term 
(RMB million)

Corporate
& other 

Elimination 

Total

302,781 
1,964 
37,783 
220,505 
42,529 
302,753 
45,535 
14,738 
247 
614 
– 

473 
287 
165 
– 
21 
468 
2,691 
871 
14 
244 
– 

14,975 
– 
– 
– 
– 
14,867 
448 
145 
2 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
198 
87 
17 
2,583 
684 

– 
–
–
–
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
(684) 
(684) 

318,229

318,088
48,872
15,841
280
2,757
–

Segment revenues 

363,887 

4,288 

15,462 

2,885 

(684) 

385,838

Benefits, claims and expenses
Insurance benefits and claims
  Life insurance death and other benefits 
  Accident and health claims and claim

  adjustment expenses 
Increase in insurance contracts liabilities 

Investment contract benefits 
Policyholder dividends resulting
from participation in profits 

Underwriting and policy acquisition costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating expenses 

Including: Inter-segment expenses 
Statutory insurance fund contribution 

(70,872) 

– 
(199,469) 
(1,264) 

(12,277) 
(24,182) 
(14,927) 
(2,717) 
(640) 
(489) 

(365) 

– 
(186) 
(686) 

(947) 
(88) 
(429) 
(833) 
(38) 
(14) 

– 

(8,740) 
– 
– 

– 
(2,794) 
(2,952) 
(495) 
(6) 
(96) 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
(192) 
(1,977) 
(294) 
– 
– 

Segment benefits, claims and expenses 

(326,197) 

(3,548) 

(15,077) 

(2,463) 

Share of results of associates 

Segment results 

Income tax 

Net profit 

Attributable to
  – equity holders of the Company 
  – non-controlling interests 

– 

37,690 

– 

37,690 

– 

740 

– 

740 

– 

385 

– 

385 

1,771 

2,193 

– 

2,193 

Unrealised losses from Available-for-sale

securities included in equity holder’s equity 

(15,088) 

(892) 

Depreciation and amortisation 

1,418 

40 

(148) 

283 

(75) 

61 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
684 
684 
– 

684 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(71,237)

(8,740)
(199,655)
(1,950)

(13,224)
(27,256)
(20,285)
(3,655)
–
(599)

(346,601)

1,771

41,008

(7,197)

33,811

33,626
185

(16,203)

1,802

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

5 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

131

Individual 
life 

Group 
life 

As at 31 December 2010

Corporate
& other 

Short- 
term 
(RMB million)

Elimination 

Total

Assets

Financial assets

(including cash and cash equivalents) 

Other 

1,263,081 
719 

73,241 
– 

12,185 
89 

5,931 
20,892 

Segment assets 

1,263,800 

73,241 

12,274 

26,823 

Unallocated
Property, plant and equipment 
Other 

Total 

Liabilities

Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Other 

1,008,201 
15,664 
21,199 
331 

695 
54,507 
1,253 
223 

9,239 
– 
208 
– 

Segment liabilities 

1,045,395 

56,678 

9,447 

– 
– 
405 
– 

405 

Unallocated
Other 

Total 

– 
– 

– 

1,354,438
21,700

1,376,138

18,946
15,495

1,410,579

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

1,018,135
70,171
23,065
554

1,111,925

88,179

1,200,104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

132

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

5 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Revenues
Gross written premiums 
   – Term Life 
  – Whole Life 
  – Endowment 
  – Annuity 
Net premiums earned 
Investment income 
Net realised gains on financial assets 
Net fair value gains through income 
Other income 

Including: inter-segment revenue 

For the year ended 31 December 2009

Individual 
life 

Group 
life 

Short- 
term 
(RMB million)

Corporate
& other 

Elimination 

Total

261,715 
805 
37,860 
184,841 
38,209 
261,694 
35,693 
19,522 
1,330 
283 
– 

190 
112 
60 
– 
18 
189 
2,614 
1,430 
97 
331 
– 

14,065 
– 
– 
– 
– 
13,194 
408 
222 
16 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
175 
70 
6 
2,586 
570 

– 
–
–
–
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
(570) 
(570) 

275,970

275,077
38,890
21,244
1,449
2,630
–

Segment revenues 

318,522 

4,661 

13,840 

2,837 

(570) 

339,290

Benefits, claims and expenses
Insurance benefits and claims
  Life insurance death and other benefits 
  Accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses 

Increase in insurance contracts liabilities 

Investment contract benefits 
Policyholder dividends resulting from participation in profits 
Underwriting and policy acquisition costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating expenses 

Including: Inter-segment expenses 
Statutory insurance fund contribution 

(74,416) 
– 
(154,552) 
(560) 
(13,181) 
(20,881) 
(13,057) 
(1,702) 
(504) 
(404) 

(442) 
– 
180 
(1,582) 
(1,306) 
(113) 
(779) 
(131) 
(37) 
(21) 

– 
(7,808) 
– 
– 
– 
(1,877) 
(3,236) 
(387) 
(6) 
(112) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(65) 
(1,647) 
(740) 
(23) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
570 
570 

(74,858)
(7,808)
(154,372)
(2,142)
(14,487)
(22,936)
(18,719)
(2,390)
–
(537)

Segment benefits, claims and expenses 

(278,753) 

(4,194) 

(13,420) 

(2,452) 

570 

(298,249)

Share of results of associates 

Segment results 

Income tax 

Net profit 

Attributable to
  – equity holders of the Company 
  – non-controlling interests 

Unrealised gains/(losses) from
  Available-for-sale securities included

in equity holder’s equity 

Depreciation and amortisation 

– 

39,769 

– 

39,769 

9,953 

1,169 

– 

467 

– 

467 

729 

69 

– 

420 

– 

420 

113 

289 

704 

1,089 

– 

1,089 

(50) 

33 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

704

41,745

(8,709)

33,036

32,881
155

10,745

1,560

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

5 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

133

Individual 
life 

Group 
life 

As at 31 December 2009

Corporate
& other 

Short- 
term 
(RMB million)

Elimination 

Total

1,089,127 
701 

78,752 
– 

12,250 
114 

6,224 
8,470 

1,089,828 

78,752 

12,364 

14,694 

Assets

Financial assets

(including cash and cash equivalents) 

Other 

Segment assets 

Unallocated
Property, plant and equipment 
Other 

Total 

Liabilities

Insurance contracts 
Investment contracts 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Other 

808,591 
14,579 
30,250 
120 

632 
52,747 
2,215 
436 

8,941 
– 
345 
– 

Segment liabilities 

853,540 

56,030 

9,286 

– 
– 
743 
– 

743 

Unallocated
Other 

Total 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

1,186,353
9,285

1,195,638

17,467
13,152

1,226,257

818,164
67,326
33,553
556

919,599

93,882

1,013,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

134

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

6 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group

Office
equipment
furniture 
and fixtures 

Buildings 

2010

Motor  Assets under 
vehicles 

Leasehold
construction  improvements 

Total

(RMB Million)

Cost
As at 1 January 2010 
Transfers upon completion 
Additions 
Disposals 

14,072 
2,975 
484 
(60) 

4,635 
104 
871 
(251) 

1,846 
– 
194 
(231) 

3,536 
(3,147) 
2,030 
(339) 

792 
68 
20 
(16) 

24,881
–
3,599
(897)

As at 31 December 2010 

17,471 

5,359 

1,809 

2,080 

864 

27,583

Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

(3,276) 
(627) 
8 

(2,587) 
(680) 
188 

(1,149) 
(179) 
191 

As at 31 December 2010 

(3,895) 

(3,079) 

(1,137) 

Impairment
As at 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

As at 31 December 2010 

Net book value
As at 1 January 2010 

(30) 
– 
– 

(30) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

10,766 

2,048 

As at 31 December 2010 

13,546 

2,280 

– 
– 
– 

– 

697 

672 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(372) 
(141) 
17 

(7,384)
(1,627)
404

(496) 

(8,607)

– 
– 
– 

– 

(30)
–
–

(30)

3,536 

420 

17,467

2,080 

368 

18,946

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

135

6 

PROPERTY,PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Group

Office
equipment
furniture 
and fixtures 

Buildings 

2009

Motor 
vehicles 

Assets under 
construction 

Leasehold
improvements 

Total

(RMB Million)

Cost
As at 1 January 2009 
Transfers upon completion 
Additions 
Disposals 

13,397 
560 
190 
(75) 

4,092 
6 
750 
(213) 

1,853 
– 
157 
(164) 

3,024 
(607) 
1,520 
(401) 

691 
41 
78 
(18) 

23,057
–
2,695
(871)

As at 31 December 2009 

14,072 

4,635 

1,846 

3,536 

792 

24,881

Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

(2,789) 
(502) 
15 

(2,157) 
(598) 
168 

(1,116) 
(175) 
142 

As at 31 December 2009 

(3,276) 

(2,587) 

(1,149) 

Impairment
As at 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

As at 31 December 2009 

Net book value
As at 1 January 2009 

(32) 
(1) 
3 

(30) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

10,576 

1,935 

As at 31 December 2009 

10,766 

2,048 

– 
– 
– 

– 

737 

697 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(243) 
(139) 
10 

(6,305)
(1,414)
335

(372) 

(7,384)

– 
– 
– 

– 

(32)
(1)
3

(30)

3,024 

448 

16,720

3,536 

420 

17,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

136

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

6 

PROPERTY,PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Company

Office
equipment
furniture 
and fixtures 

Buildings 

2010

Motor  Assets under 
vehicles 

Leasehold
construction  improvements 

Total

(RMB Million)

Cost
As at 1 January 2010 
Transfers upon completion 
Additions 
Disposals 

13,760 
2,775 
435 
(60) 

4,557 
104 
859 
(245) 

1,832 
– 
192 
(231) 

3,336 
(2,947) 
2,030 
(339) 

791 
68 
19 
(18) 

24,276
–
3,585
(893)

As at 31 December 2010 

16,910 

5,275 

1,793 

2,080 

860 

26,918

Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

(3,232) 
(607) 
10 

(2,558) 
(669) 
183 

(1,145) 
(178) 
192 

As at 31 December 2010 

(3,829) 

(3,044) 

(1,131) 

Impairment
As at 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

As at 31 December 2010 

Net book value
As at 1 January 2010 

(30) 
– 
– 

(30) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

10,498 

1,999 

As at 31 December 2010 

13,051 

2,231 

– 
– 
– 

– 

687 

662 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(371) 
(140) 
16 

(7,306)
(1,594)
401

(495) 

(8,499)

– 
– 
– 

– 

(30)
–
–

(30)

3,336 

420 

16,940

2,080 

365 

18,389

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

137

6 

PROPERTY,PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Company

Office
equipment
furniture 
and fixtures 

Buildings 

2009

Motor 
vehicles 

Assets under 
construction 

Leasehold
improvements 

Total

(RMB Million)

Cost
As at 1 January 2009 
Transfers upon completion 
Additions 
Disposals 

13,084 
731 
190 
(245) 

4,036 
6 
728 
(213) 

1,843 
– 
153 
(164) 

3,019 
(778) 
1,316 
(221) 

691 
41 
77 
(18) 

22,673
–
2,464
(861)

As at 31 December 2009 

13,760 

4,557 

1,832 

3,336 

791 

24,276

Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

(2,761) 
(486) 
15 

(2,136) 
(590) 
168 

(1,114) 
(173) 
142 

As at 31 December 2009 

(3,232) 

(2,558) 

(1,145) 

Impairment
As at 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

As at 31 December 2009 

Net book value
As at 1 January 2009 

(32) 
(1) 
3 

(30) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

10,291 

1,900 

As at 31 December 2009 

10,498 

1,999 

– 
– 
– 

– 

729 

687 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(243) 
(138) 
10 

(6,254)
(1,387)
335

(371) 

(7,306)

– 
– 
– 

– 

(32)
(1)
3

(30)

3,019 

448 

16,387

3,336 

420 

16,940

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

138

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

7 

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

Group

As at 1 January 
Additional capital contribution to associates (i) (iii) 
Transfer in associates (ii) 
Share of results 
Other equity movements 
Dividend received 

As at 31 December 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

8,470 
5,777 
5,123 
1,771 
(131) 
(118) 

20,892 

7,891
–
–
704
(70)
(55)

8,470

The  Group’s  investments  in  associates  are  unlisted  except  for  Sino-Ocean  which  is  listed  in  Hong  Kong.  As  at 
31  December  2010,  the  stock  price  of  Sino-Ocean  is  HK  dollar  5.19  per  share.  The  Group’s  share  of  associates’ 
assets  and  liabilities  at  31  December  2010  and  revenue  and  profit/(loss)  after  tax  for  the  year  then  ended  are  as 
followings:

Assets and liabilities of associates

Name 

Country of 
incorporation 

Interest
held 

Assets 
RMB million 

Liabilities
RMB million

Guangdong Development Bank (“GDB”) 
China Life Property & Casualty Insurance
  Company Limited (“CLP&C”) 
Sino-Ocean Land Holdings Limited

PRC 

PRC 

20% 

40% 

165,979 

154,356

6,042 

4,870

(“Sino-Ocean”) 

(ii) (iii) 

Hong Kong 

24.07% 

22,409 

14,312

Total as at 31 December 2010 

194,429 

173,547

GDB 
CLP&C 
China Life Insurance Brokers (“CIB”) 

PRC 
PRC 
PRC 

20% 
40% 
49% 

136,344 
4,855 
6 

128,859
3,876
–

Total as at 31 December 2009 

141,205 

132,735

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

7 

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)

Revenues and profit/(loss) after tax of associates

139

Name 

GDB 
CLP&C 
Sino-Ocean 

Total for the year ended
  31 December 2010 

GDB 
CLP&C 
CIB 

Total for the year ended
  31 December 2009 

Company

As at 1 January 
Additional capital contribution to GDB(i) 
Investment in Sino-Ocean(ii) (iii) 
Reduce capital from CIB 

As at 31 December 

Revenue 
RMB million 

Profit/(Loss)
after tax
RMB million

4,392 
3,558 
3,303 

1,237
245
289

11,252 

1,771

3,023 
2,946 
– 

673
32
(1)

5,969 

704

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

7,278 
2,999 
7,907 
(6) 

18,178 

7,278
–
–
–

7,278

(i) 

In July 2010, the Group injected additional capital of RMB 2,999 million in cash, at a price of RMB 4.38 
per share to GDB, representing shares offered to all existing owners of GDB on a pro-rata basis. The Group 
holds 3.08 billion shares of GDB and its interest in GDB remains at 20% of GDB’s registered capital.

(ii)  On  December  27,  2009,  the  Group  purchased  934  million  shares  of  Sino-Ocean  at  the  total  cost  of  HKD 
5,819  million.  As  a  result  of  this  acquisition,  the  Group  held  16.57%  of  the  total  outstanding  shares  of 
Sino-Ocean as at 31 December 2009.

(iii)  On  January  12,  2010,  the  Group  exchanged  certain  of  its  Hong  Kong  listed  equity  investments  at  their 
market value on the transaction date of RMB 2,784 million for additional 423 million shares of Sino-Ocean. 
As a result of this acquisition, the Group held 24.08% equity interest of Sino-ocean and recognized it as an 
associate.  In  2010,  the  ESOP  (Employee  Stock  Option  Plan)  of  Sino-Ocean  was  partially  exercised.  As  at 
December 31 2010, the Company‘s ownership in Sino-Ocean was diluted to 24.07%.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

140

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS

8.1  Held-to-maturity securities

Group

Debt securities
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 
  Subordinated bonds/debts 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

105,006 
90,230 
3,138 
47,853 

246,227 

15,785 
230,442 

246,227 

103,980
84,619
3,139
43,361

235,099

17,872
217,227

235,099

The  estimated  fair  value  of  listed  held-to-maturity  securities  was  RMB  16,250  million  as  at  31  December 
2010 (31 December 2009: RMB 18,683 million).

Company

Debt securities 
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 
  Subordinated bonds/debts 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

105,006 
90,230 
3,131 
47,853 

103,980
84,619
3,132
43,361 

246,220 

235,092

15,785 
230,435 

17,872 
217,220

246,220 

235,092

The  estimated  fair  value  of  listed  held-to-maturity  securities  is  RMB  16,250  million  (31  December  2009: 
RMB 18,683 million).

The  unlisted  debt  securities  refer  to  debt  securities  not  traded  on  stock  exchanges  and  include  both  debt 
securities traded on the interbank market in China and debt securities not publicly traded.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.1  Held-to-maturity securities (continued)

Group debt securities 
  – Contractual maturity schedule 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

Company debt securities 
  – Contractual maturity schedule 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

141

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

18,891 
25,696 
47,897 
153,743 

5,937
34,903
43,792
150,467

246,227 

235,099

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

18,891 
25,689 
47,897 
153,743 

5,937
34,903
43,785
150,467

246,220 

235,092

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

142

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.2  Loans

Group

Policy loans 
Other loans 

Total 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,977 
12,566 

13,831
9,250 

36,543 

23,081

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,977 
1,770 
10,796 
– 

13,831 
–
1,200
8,050 

36,543 

23,081

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

143

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.2  Loans (continued)

Company

Policy loans 
Other loans 

Total 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,977 
12,376 

13,831 
9,200 

36,353 

23,031

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,977 
1,700 
10,676 
– 

13,831 
–
1,200 
8,000 

36,353 

23,031

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

144

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.3  Term deposits

Group

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 

Total 

Company

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

19,268 
340,917 
81,400 

84,393
196,090
64,500

441,585 

344,983

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

19,200 
339,617 
81,400 

82,893
196,090
64,500

440,217 

343,483

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

145

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.4  Statutory deposits-restricted

Group

Contractual maturity schedule
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 

Total 

Company

Contractual maturity schedule
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

400 
5,753 

6,153 

100 
6,053

6,153

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

300 
5,353 

5,653 

–
5,653

5,653

Insurance  companies  in  China  are  required  to  deposit  an  amount  equal  to  20%  of  their  registered  capital 
with banks designated by CIRC. These funds may not be used for any purpose, other than to pay off debts 
during a liquidation proceeding.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

146

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.5  Available-for-sale securities

Group

Debt securities
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 
  Subordinated bonds/debts 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Funds 
  Common stocks 

Subtotal 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Listed in Hong Kong, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Listed in Hong Kong, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

57,871 
145,538 
125,423 
25,620 

51,996
165,231
102,553
21,045

354,452 

340,825

95,754 
97,915 

75,798
100,876

193,669 

176,674

548,121 

517,499

29,618 
13 
324,821 

28,086
–
312,739

354,452 

340,825

104,100 
5,845 
83,724 

97,803
13,570
65,301

193,669 

176,674

548,121 

517,499

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.5  Available-for-sale securities (continued)

Company

147

Debt securities
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 
  Subordinated bonds/debts 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Funds 
  Common stocks 

Subtotal 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Listed in Hong Kong, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

57,533 
144,961 
124,603 
24,786 

51,996
163,849
101,932
20,268

351,883 

338,045

95,136 
97,725 

75,326
100,684

192,861 

176,010

544,744 

514,055

29,261 
322,622 

27,803
310,242

351,883 

338,045

103,376 
5,835 
83,650 

97,230
13,570
65,210

192,861 

176,010

544,744 

514,055

The  unlisted  securities  refer  to  equity  securities  not  traded  on  stock  exchanges  and  include  both  debt 
securities traded on the interbank market in China and debt securities not publicly traded.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

148

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.5  Available-for-sale securities(continued)

Group debt securities 
  – contractual maturity schedule 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

Company debt securities 
  – contractual maturity schedule 

Maturing
  Within one year 
  After one year but within five years 
  After five years but within ten years 
  After ten years 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,804 
40,401 
129,977 
180,270 

2,912
45,607
123,719
168,587

354,452 

340,825

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,685 
39,315 
128,861 
180,022 

2,507
44,300
122,652
168,586

351,883 

338,045

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS(CONTINUED)

8.6  Securities at fair value through income

Group

149

Debt securities
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Funds 
  Common stocks 
  Warrants 

Subtotal 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

883 
1,915 
4,715 

7,513 

575 
1,665 
9 

2,249 

9,762 

3,497 
4,016 

7,513 

1,697 
552 

2,249 

9,762 

2,438
3,549
404

6,391

569
2,162
11

2,742

9,133

672
5,719

6,391

2,201
541

2,742

9,133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

150

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.6  Securities at fair value through income (continued)

Company

Debt securities
  Government bonds 
  Government agency bonds 
  Corporate bonds 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Funds 
  Common stocks 
  Warrants 

Subtotal 

Total 

Debt securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Listed in mainland, PRC 
  Unlisted 

Subtotal 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

883 
1,915 
4,629 

7,427 

575 
1,665 
9 

2,249 

9,676 

3,450 
3,977 

7,427 

1,697 
552 

2,249 

9,676 

2,438
3,549
384

6,371

569
2,162
11

2,742

9,113

652
5,719

6,371

2,201
541

2,742

9,113

The  unlisted  securities  refer  to  equity  securities  not  traded  on  stock  exchanges  and  include  both  debt 
securities traded on the interbank market in China and debt securities not publicly traded.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

151

8 

FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

8.7  Accrued investment income

Group

Bank deposits 
Debt securities 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

Company

Bank deposits 
Debt securities 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

9,537 
8,363 
293 

5,987
8,030
191

18,193 

14,208

18,193 
– 

14,208
–

18,193 

14,208 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

9,486 
8,321 
291 

5,947 
7,982 
191

18,098 

14,120

18,098 
– 

14,120 
–

18,098 

14,120 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

152

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

9 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The table below presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of major financial assets and liabilities:

Carrying value   
As at 31 

As at 31
December 2010  December 2009  December 2010  December 2009
RMB million

RMB million 

RMB million 

RMB million 

As at 31 

As at 31 

Estimated fair value

Held-to-maturity securities 
Loans 
Term deposits (excluding structured deposits) 
Structured deposits 
Statutory deposits-restricted 
Available-for-sale securities 
Securities at fair value through income 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment contracts (ii) 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 

246,227 
36,543 
441,585 
– 
6,153 
548,121 
9,762 
47,854 
(70,171) 
(23,065) 

235,099 
23,081 
344,710 
273 
6,153 
517,499 
9,133 
36,197 
(67,326) 
(33,553) 

244,304 
36,543 
441,585 
– 
6,153 
548,121 
9,762 
47,854 
(69,432) 
(23,065) 

235,668
23,081
344,710
272
6,153
517,499
9,133
36,197
(66,184)
(33,553)

(i)  The estimates and judgments to determine the fair value of financial assets are described in Note 3.2.

(ii)  The fair value of investment contracts are determined by using valuation techniques, with consideration of 
the present value of expected cash flows arising from contracts using a risk-adjusted discount rate, allowing 
for risk free rate available on valuation date, the own credit risk and risk margin associated with the future 
cash flows.

10  PREMIUMS RECEIVABLE

The aging of premiums receivable is within 12 months.

11  REINSURANCE ASSETS

Group and Company

Long-term insurance contracts ceded (Note 13) 
Due from reinsurance companies 
Ceded unearned premiums (Note 13) 
Claims recoverable from reinsurers (Note 13) 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

719 
22 
57 
32 

830 

111 
719 

830 

701
17
83
31

832

131
701

832

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

153

12  OTHER ASSETS

Group

Land use rights 
Due from CLIC (Note 29(f)) 
Advances 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

Company

Land use rights 
Due from CLIC (Note 29(f)) 
Advances 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,609 
598 
219 
3,773 

8,199 

4,573 
3,626 

8,199 

3,279
646
302
2,090

6,317

2,471
3,846

6,317

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,609 
598 
219 
3,725 

8,151 

4,543 
3,608 

8,151 

3,279
616
301
2,040

6,236

2,421
3,815

6,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

154

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

13 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS

(a)  Process used to decide on assumptions

(i) 

For  the  insurance  contracts  of  which  future  returns  are  affected  by  the  investment  yields  of 
corresponding  investment  portfolios,  investment  return  assumptions  are  applied  as  discount  rates  to 
assess the time value impacts on reserve computation.

In  developing  discount  rate  assumptions,  the  Group  considers  investment  experience,  current 
investment  portfolio  and  trend  of  the  yield  curve.  The  discount  rate  reflects  the  future  economic 
outlook as well as the company’s investment strategy. The assumed discount rate with risk margin for 
the past two year are as follows:

As at 31 December 2010 
As at 31 December 2009 

Discount rate assumptions

4.58%~5.00%
4.40%~5.00%

For  the  insurance  contracts  of  which  the  future  returns  are  not  affected  by  the  investment  yields  of 
the  corresponding  investment  portfolios,  the  Group  use  discount  rate  assumption  to  assess  the  time 
value  impacts  based  on  the  “yield  curve  of  reserve  computation  benchmark  for  insurance  contracts”, 
published  on  “China  Bond”  website,  with  consideration  includes  the  liquidity  spreads,  taxation 
impacts and other relevant factors. The assumed discount rate with risk margin for the past two years 
are as follows:

As at 31 December 2010 
As at 31 December 2009 

Discount rate assumptions

2.61%~5.66%
2.69%~5.32%

The  discount  rate  assumption  is  affected  by  certain  factors,  such  as  future  macro-economy,  fiscal 
policies,  capital  market  and  availability  of  investment  channel  of  insurance  funds.  The  Group 
determines discount rate assumption based on the information obtained at the end of each reporting 
period including consideration of risk margin.

 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

155

13 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS (continued)

(a)  Process used to decide on assumptions (continued)

(ii)  The mortality and morbidity assumptions are based on the Group’s historical mortality and morbidity 
experience.  The  assumed  mortality  rates  and  morbidity  rates  are  varying  by  age  of  the  insured  and 
contract type.

The  Group  bases  its  mortality  assumptions  on  China  Life  Insurance  Mortality  Table  (2000-2003), 
adjusted  where  appropriate  to  reflect  the  Group’s  recent  historical  mortality  experience.  The  main 
source of uncertainty with life insurance contracts is that epidemics and wide-ranging lifestyle changes 
could  result  in  deterioration  in  future  mortality  experience,  thus  leading  to  an  inadequate  reserving 
of  liability.  Similarly,  continuing  advancements  in  medical  care  and  social  conditions  could  result 
in  improvements  in  longevity  that  exceed  those  allowed  for  in  the  estimates  used  to  determine  the 
liability for contracts where the Group is exposed to longevity risk.

The  Group  bases  its  morbidity  assumptions  for  critical  illness  products  on  analysis  of  historical 
experience and expectations of future developments. There are two main sources of uncertainty. First, 
wide-ranging  lifestyle  changes  could  result  in  future  deterioration  in  morbidity  experience.  Second, 
future  development  of  medical  technologies  and  improved  coverage  of  medical  facilities  available 
to  policyholders  may  bring  forward  the  timing  of  diagnosing  critical  illness,  which  demands  earlier 
payment  of  the  critical  illness  benefits.  Both  could  ultimately  result  in  an  inadequate  reserving  of 
liability if current morbidity assumptions do not properly reflect such secular trends.

Risk margin is considered in the Group’s mortality and morbidity assumptions.

(iii)  Expense  assumptions  are  based  on  expected  unit  costs  with  the  consideration  of  risk  margin.  Such 
assumptions  are  affected  by  actual  experience  and  a  number  of  other  factors  including  inflation  and 
market competition based on information obtained at the end of each reporting period. Components 
of expense assumptions include cost per policy and percentage of premium as follows:

Individual Life 

Group Life

RMB Per Policy 

% of Premium 

RMB Per Policy 

% of Premium

As at 31 December 2010 
As at 31 December 2009 

30.4~44.6 
26.3~38.5 

0.90%~1.00% 
1.05%~1.17% 

13.1 
11.3 

0.86%
1.01%

(iv)  The lapse rates and other assumptions are affected by certain factors, such as future macro-economy, 
availability  of  financial  substitutions,  and  market  competition,  which  brings  uncertainty  to  these 
assumptions. The lapse rates and other assumptions are determined with reference to past experience 
where creditable, current conditions, future expectations and other information obtained at the end of 
each reporting period.

The  Group  adopted  consistent  process  used  to  decide  on  assumptions  for  the  insurance  contracts 
disclosed  in  this  note.  On  each  reporting  date,  the  Group  reviews  the  assumptions  for  reasonable 
estimates of liability and risk margins, with consideration of all available information, and taking into 
account the Group’s historical experience and expectation of future events.

 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

156

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

13 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS (continued)

(b)  Net liabilities of insurance contracts

Group and Company

Gross
Long-term insurance contracts 
Short term insurance contracts
  – claims and claim adjustment expenses 
  – unearned premiums 

Total, gross 

Recoverable from reinsurers
Long-term insurance contracts (Note 11) 
Short-term insurance contracts
  – claims and claim adjustment expenses (Note 11) 
  – unearned premiums (Note 11) 

Total, ceded 

Net
Long-term insurance contracts 
Short-term insurance contracts
  – claims and claim adjustment expenses 
  – unearned premiums 

Total, net 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

1,008,896 

809,223

3,304 
5,935 

2,944
5,997

1,018,135 

818,164

(719) 

(32) 
(57) 

(808) 

(701)

(31)
(83)

(815)

1,008,177 

808,522

3,272 
5,878 

2,913
5,914

1,017,327 

817,349

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

157

13 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS (continued)

(c)  Movements in liabilities of short-term insurance contracts

The table below presents movements in claims and claim adjustment expenses reserve:

Group and Company

  – Notified claims 
  – Incurred but not reported 

Total as at 1 January-Gross 

Cash paid for claims settled in year
  – Cash paid for current year claims 
  – Cash paid for prior year claims 
Claims incurred in year
  – Claims arising in current year 
  – Claims arising in prior year 

Total as at 31 December-Gross 

  – Notified claims 
  – Incurred but not reported 

Total as at 31 December-Gross 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

228 
2,716 

2,944 

(5,959) 
(2,516) 

8,826 
9 

3,304 

326 
2,978 

3,304 

352
2,428

2,780

(5,478)
(2,274)

7,951
(35)

2,944

228
2,716

2,944

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

158

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

13 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS (continued)

(c)  Movements in liabilities of short-term insurance contracts (continued)

The table below presents movements in unearned premium reserves:

Group and Company

As at 1 January 
Increase 
Release 

2010 
RMB million 
Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

2009
RMB million
Ceded 

(83) 
(57) 
83 

5,914 
5,878 
(5,914) 

5,237 
5,997 
(5,237) 

(58) 
(83) 
58 

Gross 

5,997 
5,935 
(5,997) 

Net

5,179
5,914
(5,179)

As at 31 December 

5,935 

(57) 

5,878 

5,997 

(83) 

5,914

(d)  Movements in liabilities of long-term insurance contracts

The table below presents movements in the liabilities of insurance contracts:

Group and Company

As at 1 January 
Premiums 
Release of liabilities (i) 
Accretion of interest 
Change in assumptions 
Other movements 

As at 31 December 

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

809,223 
303,254 
(138,159) 
38,298 
(6,382) 
2,662 

654,848
261,905
(127,472)
26,834
(8,085)
1,193

1,008,896 

809,223

(i)  The  release  of  liabilities  mainly  consists  of  payments  for  death  or  other  termination  and  related 

expenses, release of residual margin and change of reserves for claims and claim adjustment expenses.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

14 

INVESTMENT CONTRACTS

Group and Company

159

Investment contracts with DPF 
Investment contracts without DPF
  – At amortised cost 
  – Designated as at fair value through income 

Total 

The table below presents movements of investment contracts with DPF:

As at 1 January 
Deposits received 
Deposits withdrawn and paid on death and other benefits 
Policy fees deducted from account balances 
Interest credited 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

50,839 

19,248 
84 

50,219

17,055
52

70,171 

67,326

2010 
RMB million 

2009
RMB million

50,219 
9,459 
(9,990) 
(95) 
1,246 

51,676
10,061
(12,488)
(221)
1,191

As at 31 December 

50,839 

50,219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

160

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

15  SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Group

Maturing:
Within thirty days 
After thirty but within ninety days 

Total 

Company

Maturing:
Within thirty days 
After thirty but within ninety days 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,065 
– 

25,326
8,227

23,065 

33,553

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

22,660 
– 

24,800
8,010

22,660 

32,810

Carrying values of debt securities pledged as collateral representing available-for-sale investment are as follows:

Group

Debt securities pledged 

Total 

Company

Debt securities pledged 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

24,377 

34,306

24,377 

34,306

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

23,939 

33,557

23,939 

33,557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

161

16  OTHER LIABILITIES

Group

Salary and staff welfare payable 
Commission and brokerage payable 
Agent deposits 
Tax payable 
Payable to constructors 
Stock appreciation rights (Note 27) 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

Company

Salary and staff welfare payable 
Commission and brokerage payable 
Agent deposits 
Tax payable 
Payable to constructors 
Stock appreciation rights (Note 27) 
Others 

Total 

Current 
Non-current 

Total 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,780 
1,944 
656 
378 
372 
1,192 
5,424 

2,892
1,320
659
356
317
1,555
4,879

13,746 

11,978

13,746 
– 

11,978
–

13,746 

11,978

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,528 
1,944 
656 
366 
359 
1,192 
5,420 

2,732
1,320
659
346
316
1,555
4,874

13,465 

11,802

13,465 
– 

11,802
–

13,465 

11,802

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

162

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

17  STATUTORY INSURANCE FUND

As  required  by  CIRC  Order  [2008]  No.  2,  all  insurance  companies  have  to  pay  statutory  insurance  fund 
contribution  to  the  CIRC  from  1  January  2009.  The  Group  is  subject  to  statutory  insurance  fund  contribution, 
(i)  at  0.15%  and  0.05%  of  premiums  and  accumulated  policyholder  deposits  from  life  policies  with  guaranteed 
benefits  and  life  policies  without  guaranteed  benefits,  respectively.  (ii)  at  0.8%  and  0.15%  of  premiums  from 
short-term  health  policies  and  long-term  health  policies,  respectively.  (iii)  at  0.8%  of  premiums  from  accident 
insurance contracts, at 0.08% and 0.05% of accumulated policyholder deposits from accident investment contracts 
with guaranteed benefits and without guaranteed benefits, respectively. When the accumulated statutory insurance 
fund  contributions  reach  1%  of  the  Group’s  total  assets,  no  additional  contribution  to  the  statutory  insurance 
fund is required.

18 

INVESTMENT INCOME

Debt securities
  – held-to-maturity securities 
  – available-for-sale securities 
  – at fair value through income 
Equity securities
  – available-for-sale securities 
  – at fair value through income 
Bank deposits 
Loans 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

10,538 
14,962 
86 

5,211 
40 
16,363 
1,583 
89 

9,882
13,580
297

3,108
38
10,805
1,172
8

Total 

48,872 

38,890

Included in investment income is interest income of RMB 43,621 million (2009: RMB 35,744 million) using the 
effective interest method.

The investment income from listed and unlisted debt and equity securities for the year ended 31 December 2010 
are  RMB  4,797  million  and  RMB  26,038  million  respectively  (2009:  RMB  3,422  million  and  RMB  23,483 
million).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

163

19  NET REALISED GAINS ON FINANCIAL ASSETS

Debt securities
  Net realised gains 
  Reversal of impairment 

Subtotal 

Equity securities
  Net realised gains 

Impairment 

Subtotal 

Total 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

508 
76 

584 

3,146
200

3,346

17,028 
(1,771) 

20,248
(2,350)

15,257 

17,898

15,841 

21,244

Net realised gains on financial assets are from available-for-sale securities.

During  the  year  ended  31  December  2010,  the  Group  recognized  impairment  expense  of  RMB  1,771  million 
(2009: RMB 2,350 million) of available-for-sale securities for which the Group determined that objective evidence 
of impairment existed.

20  NET FAIR VALUE GAINS THROUGH INCOME

Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Stock appreciation rights 

Total 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

403 
(486) 
363 

280 

(250)
1,726
(27)

1,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

164

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

21 

INSURANCE BENEFITS AND CLAIMS EXPENSES

Gross 
RMB million 

Ceded 
RMB million 

Net
RMB million

For the year ended 31 December 2010
Life insurance death and other benefits 
Accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses 
Increase in insurance contracts liabilities 

71,255 
8,835 
199,673 

(18) 
(95) 
(18) 

71,237
8,740
199,655

Total insurance benefits and claims expenses 

279,763 

(131) 

279,632

For the year ended 31 December 2009
Life insurance death and other benefits 
Accident and health claims and claim adjustment expenses 
Increase in insurance contracts liabilities 

74,876 
7,909 
154,374 

(18) 
(101) 
(2) 

74,858
7,808
154,372

Total insurance benefits and claims expenses 

237,159 

(121) 

237,038

22 

INVESTMENT CONTRACT BENEFITS
Benefits of investment contract are mainly the interest credited to investment contracts and universal life contracts.

23  PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX

Profit before income tax is stated after charging the following:

Employee salary and welfare cost 
Housing benefits 
Contribution to the defined contribution pension plan 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Interest expenses on securities sold under the agreements to repurchase 
Exchange loss 
Auditor’s remuneration 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

8,240 
507 
1,344 
1,802 
304 
392 
65 

7,773
472
1,182
1,560
111
28
71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

165

24  TAXATION

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  there  is  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  offset  current  tax 
assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax relate to the same fiscal authority.

(a)  The amount of taxation charged to the net profit represents:

Current taxation – Enterprise income tax 
Deferred taxation 

Taxation charges 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

6,420 
777 

7,197 

6,299
2,410

8,709

(b)  The reconciliation between the Group’s effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate of 25% in the PRC (for 

the year ended 31 December 2009: 25%) is as follows:

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

Profit before income tax 

41,008 

41,745

Tax computed at the statutory tax rate 
Non-taxable income 
Additional tax liability from expenses
  not deductible for tax purposes 
Unused tax losses 
Other 

(i) 

(i) 

10,252 
(3,413) 

317 
41 
– 

10,436
(2,627)

520
25
355

Income taxes at effective tax rate 

7,197 

8,709

(i) 

Non-taxable  income  mainly  includes  interest  income  from  government  bonds  and  fund.  Expenses  not  deductible 

for  tax  purposes  mainly  include  commission,  brokerage  and  donation  expenses  that  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for 

deduction set by relevant tax regulations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

166

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

24  TAXATION (continued)

(c)  As at 31 December 2010, deferred income taxation was calculated in full on temporary differences under the 
liability method using a principal taxation rate of 25%. The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities 
during the year are as follows:

Deferred tax

Group 

Insurance 
RMB million 
(i) 

Investment 
RMB million 
(ii) 

Others 
RMB million 
(iii)

Total
RMB million

As at 1 January 2009 
(Charged)/credited to net profit 
(Charged)/credited to other
  comprehensive income

  – Available-for-sale securities 
  – Portion of fair value gains on
  available-for-sale securities 
  attributable to participating 
  policyholders 

(9,452) 
(79) 

(1,473) 
(2,404) 

– 

(4,607) 

1,000 

– 

  Subtotal 

1,000 

(4,607) 

As at 31 December 2009 

(8,531) 

(8,484) 

As at 1 January 2010 
(Charged)/credited to net profit 
(Charged)/credited to
  other comprehensive income

  – Available-for-sale securities 
  – Portion of fair value losses on
  available-for-sale securities 
  attributable to participating
  policyholders 

(8,531) 
(604) 

(8,484) 
(376) 

– 

7,358 

(1,996) 

– 

  Subtotal 

(1,996) 

7,358 

581 
73 

– 

– 

– 

654 

654 
203 

– 

– 

– 

(10,344)
(2,410)

(4,607)

1,000

(3,607)

(16,361)

(16,361)
(777)

7,358

(1,996)

5,362

As at 31 December 2010 

(11,131) 

(1,502) 

857 

(11,776)

(i) 

The deferred tax arising from the insurance category is mainly related to the temporary difference of short duration 

insurance contracts liabilities and policyholder dividend payables;

(ii) 

The  deferred  tax  arising  from  the  investment  category  is  mainly  related  to  the  temporary  difference  of  unrealised 

gains/(losses) of available-for-sale securities and securities at fair value through income;

(iii)  The  deferred  tax  arising  from  the  other  category  is  mainly  related  to  the  temporary  difference  of  employee  salary 

and welfare cost payables.

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

167

24  TAXATION (continued)

(c)  The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year are as follows (continued):

Company 

Insurance 
RMB million 

Investment 
RMB million 

Others 
RMB million 

Total
RMB million

As at 1 January 2009 
(Charged)/credited to net profit 
(Charged)/credited to other
  comprehensive income

  – Available-for-sale securities 
  – Portion of fair value losses on
  available-for-sale securities 
  attributable to participating
  policyholders 

  Subtotal 

(9,452) 
(79) 

(1,460) 
(2,398) 

– 

(4,598) 

1,000 

1,000 

– 

(4,598) 

As at 31 December 2009 

(8,531) 

(8,456) 

As at 1 January 2010 
(Charged)/credited to net profit 
(Charged)/credited to other
  comprehensive income

  – Available-for-sale securities 
  – Portion of fair value losses on
  available-for-sale securities
  attributable to participating
  policyholders 

(8,531) 
(604) 

(8,456) 
(378) 

– 

7,334 

(1,996) 

– 

  Subtotal 

(1,996) 

7,334 

561 
49 

– 

– 

– 

610 

610 
193 

– 

– 

– 

(10,351)
(2,428)

(4,598)

1,000

(3,598)

(16,377)

(16,377)
(789)

7,334

(1,996)

5,338

As at 31 December 2010 

(11,131) 

(1,500) 

803 

(11,828)

 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

168

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

24  TAXATION (continued)

(d)  The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as follows:

Group

Deferred tax assets:
  – deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months 
  – deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months 

Subtotal 

Deferred tax liabilities:
  – deferred tax liabilities to be settled after more than 12 months 
  – deferred tax liabilities to be settled within 12 months 

Subtotal 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,217 
617 

3,834 

6,063
592

6,655

(15,262) 
(348) 

(22,668)
(348)

(15,610) 

(23,016)

Total net deferred income tax liabilities 

(11,776) 

(16,361)

Company

Deferred tax assets:
  – deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months 
  – deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months 

Subtotal 

Deferred tax liabilities:
  – deferred tax liabilities to be settled after more than 12 months 
  – deferred tax liabilities to be settled within 12 months 

Subtotal 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

3,161 
617 

3,778 

6,020
592

6,612

(15,258) 
(348) 

(22,641)
(348)

(15,606) 

(22,989)

Total net deferred income tax liabilities 

(11,828) 

(16,377)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

169

25  NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

The  net  profit  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  Company  is  recognised  in  the  financial  statements  of  the 
Company to the extent of RMB 33,560 million (2009: RMB 32,228 million).

26  EARNINGS PER SHARE

There is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share. The basic and diluted earnings per share for 
the year ended 31 December 2010 are based on the weighted average number of 28,264,705,000 ordinary shares 
(for the year ended 31 December 2009: 28,264,705,000).

27  STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  approved,  on  5  January  2006,  an  award  of  stock  appreciation  rights  of 
4.05  million  units  and  on  21  August  2006,  another  award  of  stock  appreciation  rights  of  53.22  million  units  to 
eligible  employees.  The  exercise  prices  of  the  two  awards  were  HK$5.33  and  HK$6.83,  respectively,  the  average 
closing price of shares in the five trading days prior to 1 July 2005 and 1 January 2006, the dates for vesting and 
exercise price setting purposes of this award. The exercise price of stock appreciation rights was the average closing 
price of the shares in the five trading days prior to the date of the award. Upon the exercise of stock appreciation 
rights, exercising recipients will receive payments in RMB, subject to any withholding tax, equal to the number of 
stock appreciation rights exercised times the difference between the exercise price and market price of the H shares 
at the time of exercise.

Stock  appreciation  rights  have  been  awarded  in  units,  with  each  unit  representing  the  value  of  one  H  share.  No 
shares of common stock will be issued under the stock appreciation rights plan. According to the Company’s plan, 
all stock appreciation rights will have an exercise period of five years from date of award and will not be exercisable 
before the fourth anniversary of the date of award unless specified market or other conditions have been met. On 
26th February 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company extended the exercise period of all stock appreciation 
rights and the exercise period will depend on the government policy.

No stock appreciation right was exercised, forfeited or expired in 2010. As at 31 December 2010, there are 55.71 
million  units  outstanding  (as  at  31  December  2009:  55.71  million)  and  55.71  million  units  exercisable  (as  at 
31  December  2009:  55.71  million).  As  at  31  December  2010,  the  amount  of  intrinsic  value  for  the  vested  stock 
appreciation rights is RMB 1,185 million (as at 31 December 2009: RMB 1,551 million).

The  fair  value  of  the  stock  appreciation  rights  is  estimated  on  the  date  of  valuation  using  lattice-based  option 
valuation  models  based  on  expected  volatility  from  60%  to  70%,  an  expected  dividend  yield  of  no  higher  than 
0.5% and risk-free interest rate from 0.2% to 0.3%.

All  the  stock  appreciation  rights  awarded  were  fully  vested  as  at  31  December  2010.  The  Company  recognized  a 
gain  of  RMB  363  million  in  the  fair  value  gain  in  the  consolidated  comprehensive  income  representing  the  fair 
value  change  of  the  rights  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2010.  For  the  year  ended  31  December  2009,  the 
Company charged compensation cost of RMB 839 million representing the fair value change of the rights before 
they  are  fully  vested.  RMB  1,179  million  and  RMB  13  million  were  included  in  salary  and  staff  welfare  payable 
included  under  Other  Liabilities  for  the  units  not  exercised  and  exercised  but  not  paid  as  at  31  December  2010 
(as at 31 December 2009, RMB 1,542 million and RMB 13 million respectively). No unrecognized compensation 
cost due to the stock appreciation rights as at 31 December 2010.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

170

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

28  DIVIDENDS

Pursuant to the equity holders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting in April 2010, a final dividend of RMB 
0.70  per  ordinary  share  totalling  RMB  19,785  million  in  respect  of  the  year  ended  31  December  2009  was 
declared  and  was  paid  in  2010.  These  dividends  have  been  recorded  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for 
the year ended 31 December 2010.

Pursuant  to  a  resolution  passed  at  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors  on  22  March  2011,  a  final  dividend  of 
RMB 0.40 per ordinary share totalling approximately RMB 11,306 million for the year ended 31 December 2010 
was proposed for equity holders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting. The dividend has not been provided in 
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

29  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 summarises the names of significant related parties and nature of relationship with the 
Company as at 31 December 2010:

Significant related party

Relationship with the Company

CLIC
China  Life  Asset  Management  Company 

The ultimate holding company
A subsidiary of the Company

Limited (“AMC”)

C h i n a  L i f e  P e n s i o n  C o m p a n y  L i m i t e d 

A subsidiary of the Company

(“Pension Company”)

Sino-Ocean
GDB
CLP&C

An associate of the Company
An associate of the Company
An associate of the Company and under common control 

of the ultimate holding company

China Life Real Estate Co., Limited (“CLRE”)

A  subsidiary  of  a  subsidiary  of  the  ultimate  holding 

company

China  Life  Insurance  (Overseas)  Co.,  Limited 

Under common control of the ultimate holding company

(“China Life Overseas”)

China  Life  Franklin  Asset  Management  Co, 

A subsidiary of a subsidiary of the Company

Limited (“AMC HK”)

China  Life  Investment  Holding  Company 

Under common control of the ultimate holding company

Limited (“IHC”)

China Life Enterprise Annuity Fund (“EAP”)

A  pension  fund  operated  for  the  benefit  of  employees  in 

the Company and AMC

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

171

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(b)  Information of the parent company is as follows:

Name 

CLIC 

Location of 
registration 

Beijing, China 

Principal business 

Life, health and accident insurance and 
other types of personal insurance and reinsurance. 
Funds management business permitted by national 
laws and regulations or by State Council of 
the People’s Republic of China. Provision of various
types of personal insurance services, consulting
and agency services. Other business approved by
CIRC and other regulatory department

Nature of 
economic 

Legal
Representative

State owned 

 Yang Chao

Relationship
with the 
company 

Immediate 
and ultimate
holding
company

Refer to Note 34 for basic and related information of subsidiaries.

(c)  Registered capital of related parties with control relationship and changes during the year

Name of related party 

CLIC 
AMC 
Pension Company 
HK AMC 

As at 31 
December 2009 
RMB million 

Increase 
RMB million 

Decrease 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2010
RMB million

4,600 
3,000 
2,500 
HK dollar  
60 million 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

4,600
3,000
2,500
HK dollar
60 million

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

172

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(d)  Percentage of holding and changes during the year

Equity holder 

CLIC (i) 

Subsidiaries 

AMC (ii) 

Pension Company(ii) 

AMC HK (ii) 

As at 31 
December 2009 

Percentage 
of holding 

Amount 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2010

Increase 
RMB million 

Decrease 
RMB million 

Amount 
RMB million

Percentage
of holding

19,324 

68.40% 

– 

– 

19,324 

68.40%

As at 31 
December 2009 

Amount 
RMB million 

1,680 

2,305 

HK dollar  
30 million 

Percentage 
of holding 

60.00% 
directly 
92.20% 
directly 
and indirectly 
50.00% 
indirectly 

As at 31
December 2010

Increase 
RMB million 

Decrease 
RMB million 

Amount 
RMB million

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,680 

2,305 

HK dollar 
 30 million 

Percentage
of holding

60.00%
directly
92.20%
directly
and indirectly
50.00%
indirectly

(i) 

CLIC holds 68.40% of the Company’s registered capital and has the power to control the Company.

(ii) 

They are subsidiaries and have been controlled by the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

173

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(e)  Transactions with significant related parties

The following table summarises significant transactions carried out by the Group with its significant related 
parties for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Note 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

Transactions with CLIC and its subsidiaries
  Policy management fee income earned from CLIC 
  Asset management fee earned from CLIC 
  Additional capital contribution to AMC from CLIC 
  Dividends to CLIC 
  Dividends to CLIC from AMC 
  Asset management fee earned from China Life Overseas 
  Asset management fee earned from CLP&C 
  Property insurance payments to CLP&C 
  Claim payment and others to the Company from CLP&C 
  Brokerage fee from CLP&C 
  Rentals and policy management fee income earned from CLP&C 
  Rentals, project payments and others to CLRE 
  Property leasing expense charged by IHC 
  Asset management fee earned from IHC 
  Services fee and other income earned from IHC 
  Asset purchase payments to Chengdu Insurance Institution 

Transaction with GDB
  Additional capital contribution to GDB 

Interest income earned from GDB 

  Brokerage fee charged by GDB 

Interest income earned from GDB of additional capital contribution 

(i) 
(ii) 

(ii) 
(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 
(v) 

(vi) 

  Dividends from GDB 

Transaction with Sino-Ocean
  Dividends from Sino-Ocean 

Transaction with EAP
  Payment to EAP 

1,154 
123 
– 
13,526 
111 
27 
5 
44 
38 
216 
23 
14 
67 
6 
14 
– 

2,999 
376 
16 
13 
– 

118 

210 

1,193
112
720
4,444
104
15
3
37
41
129
36
8
64
7
30
19

–
309
20
–
55

–

298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

174

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(e)  Transactions with significant related parties (continued)

Transaction with AMC
  Asset management fee expense charged to the Company by AMC 
  Dividends to the Company 
  Payments of insurance policies by AMC to the Company 
  Brokerage fee to the Company 
  Additional capital contribution to AMC 

Transaction with Pension Company
  Expenses paid on behalf of Pension Company 
  Promote fee of Annuity to the Company 
  Brokerage fee to the Company 

Investment brokerage fee charged by the Company 
IT services fee income earned from Pension Company 

  Surcharge on building sold to Pension Company 

Transaction with AMC HK

Investment management fee expense
  charged to the Company by AMC HK 

Note:

Note 

(ii) 

(vii) 

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

659 
167 
1 
– 
– 

134 
8 
7 
5 
2 
– 

540
156
1
5
1,080

86
–
3
2
2
244

(ii) 

8 

8

(i) 

As  part  of  the  restructuring,  CLIC  transferred  its  entire  branch  services  network  to  the  Company.  CLIC  and 

the  Company  entered  into  an  agreement  on  24  December  2005  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  policy  management  fee  based  on 

the  estimated  cost  of  providing  the  services,  to  which  a  profit  margin  is  added.  The  policy  management  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  at  the  last  day  of  the  period,  multiplied  by  RMB8.00  per  policy  and  (2) 

2.50% of the actual premiums and deposits in respect of such policies collected during the period. The agreement 

would  be  automatically  renewed  for  a  three  year  term  subject  to  compliance  with  the  Stock  Exchange  regulations 

unless  a  written  notice  of  non  renewal  is  issued  by  the  Company  or  the  Group  180  days  prior  to  the  expiration 

of the contract or the renewed term. The Company and the Group could modify term of policy management fee 

based  on  the  current  market  terms  when  renewing  the  contract.  Otherwise,  the  original  fee  term  would  apply. 

On  30  December  2008,  the  Company  and  CLIC  signed  a  renewal  agreement  to  extend  the  contract  signed  on 

24  December  2005  to  31  December  2011,  with  all  the  terms  unchanged.  The  policy  management  fee  income  is 

included in other income in consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

175

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(e)  Transactions with significant related parties (continued)

Note: (continued)

(ii) 

In December 2005, CLIC and AMC entered into an agreement, whereby CLIC agreed to pay the AMC a service 

fee at the rate of 0.05% per annum. The service fee was calculated and payable on a monthly basis, by multiplying 

the average of book value of the assets under management (after deducting the funds obtained and interests accrued 

from  repurchase  transactions)  at  the  beginning  and  at  the  end  of  any  given  month  by  the  rate  of  0.05%,  divided 

by  12.  Such  rate  was  determined  with  reference  to  the  applicable  management  fee  rate  pre-determined  for  each 

specified  category  of  assets  managed  by  the  AMC  to  arrive  at  a  comprehensive  service  fee  rate.  On  30  December 

2008,  CLIC  and  AMC  signed  a  renewal  agreement,  which  extended  the  expiry  date  of  the  original  agreement  to 

31  December  2011.  The  service  fee  is  calculated  in  the  same  way  of  original  agreement  and  could  be  adjusted 

according to the performance.

In  December  2005,  the  Company  and  the  AMC  have  entered  into  a  separate  agreement,  whereby  the  Company 

agreed to pay the AMC a fixed service fee and a variable service fee. The fixed service fee is payable monthly and 

is calculated with reference to the net asset value of the assets in each specified category managed by the AMC and 

the  applicable  management  fee  rates  pre-determined  by  the  parties  on  an  arm’s  length  basis.  The  variable  service 

fee  equals  to  10%  of  the  fixed  service  fee  per  annum  payable  annually.  The  service  fees  were  determined  by  the 

Company and the AMC based on an analysis of the cost of service, market practice and the size and composition of 

the asset pool to be managed. On 30 December 2008, the Company and AMC signed a renewal agreement, which 

extended the expiry date of the original agreement to 31 December 2010. The variable service fee was changed to 

20% of the fixed service fee per annum payable annually and could be adjusted according to the performance.

In  March  2007,  CLP&C  and  the  AMC  entered  into  an  agreement,  whereby  CLP&C  agreed  to  pay  the  AMC 

a  fixed  service  fee  and  a  variable  service  fee.  The  agreement  expired  in  December  2008.  In  2009,  CLP&C  and 

the  AMC  signed  a  new  agreement,  with  effective  period  to  31  December  2010.  The  agreement  is  subject  to 

an  automatic  renewal  for  one  year  if  there  was  no  objection  by  both  parities  upon  expiring.  According  to  the 

agreement,  the  fixed  service  fee  is  calculated  and  payable  on  a  monthly  basis,  by  multiplying  the  average  of  book 

value  of  the  assets  under  management  at  the  beginning  and  at  the  end  of  any  given  month  by  the  rate  of  0.05%, 

divided by 12. The variable service fee is calculated based on investment performance.

In  September  2007,  China  Life  Overseas  and  the  AMC  HK  entered  into  an  agreement,  whereby  China  Life 

Overseas  agreed  to  pay  AMC  HK  a  management  service  fee  at  a  rate  calculated  based  on  actual  net  investment 

return  yield.  In  December  2009,  China  Life  Overseas  and  the  AMC  HK  signed  a  renewal  agreement,  which 

extended the expiry date of the original agreement to 31 December 2010.

In  2009,  Pension  Company  and  AMC  signed  an  agreement  with  effective  period  to  31  December  2009.  The 

agreement  was  subject  to  an  automatic  renewal  for  one  year  if  there  was  no  objection  by  both  parties  upon 

expiring.  According  to  the  agreement,  the  fixed  service  fee  is  calculated  and  payable  on  a  monthly  basis,  by 

multiplying the average of book value of the assets under management at the beginning and at the end of any given 

month  by  the  rate  of  0.05%,  divided  by  12.  There  is  a  performance  portion  based  on  10%  of  the  excess  return 

which is payable annually.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

176

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(e)  Transactions with significant related parties (continued)

Note: (continued)

In  September  2009,  the  Company  and  AMC  HK  renewed  the  agreement  of  Offshore  Investment  Management 

Service Agreement. In accordance with the agreement, the Company agreed to pay AMC HK asset management fee 

calculated and collected based the annual investment instruction and related terms and conditions. In accordance 

with  the  2009  annual  instruction  and  related  terms  and  conditions,  asset  management  fees  were  calculated  at 

a  fixed  rate  of  0.45%  of  portfolio  asset  value  and  a  performance  element  of  2%  of  portfolio  returns  for  assets 

managed on a discretionary basis, together with a fixed rate of 0.05% of portfolio asset value for assets managed on 

a non-discretionary basis. In accordance with the 2010 annual instruction and related terms and conditions, asset 

management fees were calculated at a fixed rate of 0.4% of portfolio asset value and a performance element capped 

at 0.15% of portfolio asset value for assets managed on a discretionary basis. Management fees on assets managed 

on a non-discretionary basis maintained unchanged at 0.05% of portfolio asset value for 2010. Management fees at 

fixed rates are calculated based on the portfolio asset value at the end of each month based on the monthly report 

provided by AMC HK and payable quarterly. Performance elements are calculated and payable on an annual basis.

Asset  management  fees  charged  to  the  Company  and  Pension  Company  by  AMC  and  AMC  HK  is  eliminated  in 

the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

(iii) 

In  November  2008,  the  Company  and  CLP&C  entered  into  an  agreement,  whereby  CLP&C  entrusted  the 

Company  to  act  as  an  agent  to  sell  selected  insurance  products  in  jurisdiction.  The  service  fee  is  determined 

according  to  cost  (tax  included)  added  marginal  profit.  The  agreement  term  is  two  year,  and  the  agreement  was 

subject to an automatic renewal for one year if there was no objection by both parties upon expiring.

(iv)  The  Group  made  certain  project  payments  to  third  parties  through  CLRE  and  paid  other  miscellaneous 

expenditure mainly comprised rentals and deposits to CLRE.

(v)  On 22 February 2010, the Company entered into a property leasing agreement with IHC, pursuant to which IHC 

agreed to lease to the Company certain of its owned and leased buildings. Annual rental payable by the Company 

to IHC in relation to the IHC owned properties is determined by reference to market rent or, the costs incurred by 

IHC in holding and maintaining the properties, plus a margin of approximately 5%. The rental was paid on a semi 

annual basis. Rental of buildings subleased by IHC was paid directly by the Company to the owner. The agreement 

expires on 31 December 2012.

(vi)  On  29  April  2007,  the  Company  and  GDB  entered  into  an  individual  bank  insurance  agency  agreement.  All 

insurance  products  suitable  for  distribution  through  bank  network  are  included  in  the  agreement.  GDB  will 

provide  services,  including  selling  of  insurance  products,  receiving  premiums  and  paying  benefits.  The  Company 

has  agreed  to  pay  commission  fees  as  follows:  1)  A  monthly  service  fee,  calculated  on  a  monthly  basis,  by 

multiplying  total  premium  received  at  a  fixed  commission  rate;  or  2)  A  monthly  commission  fee,  calculated  on  a 

monthly basis, by multiplying the number of policy being handled at fixed commission rate which is not more than 

RMB1 per policy, where GDB handles premiums receipts and benefits payments. The agreement has a term of five 

years.

(vii) 

In  November  2007,  the  Company  and  Pension  Company  entered  into  an  agreement,  whereby  Pension  Company 

entrusted  the  Company  to  distribute  enterprise  annuity  funds  and  provide  customer  service.  The  service  fee  is 

calculated at a rate of 80%. The agreement term was one year and subject to an automatic renewal for one year. On 

30 December 2010, the Company and Pension Company signed a renewal agreement, The agreement term was one 

year, and the agreement was subject to an automatic renewal for one year if there was no objection by both parties 

upon expiring.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

177

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(f)  Amounts due from/to significant related parties

The  following  table  summarises  the  resulting  balance  due  from  and  to  significant  related  parties.  The 
balance is non-interest bearing, unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms except for the deposits in GDB.

The Group
  Amount due from CLIC (Note 12) 
  Amount due to CLIC 
  Amount due from China Life Overseas 
  Amount due from CLP&C 
  Amount due to CLP&C 
  Amount deposited with GDB 
  Amount due from IHC 
  Amount due to IHC 
The Company
  Amount due from Pension Company 
  Amount due to Pension Company 
  Amount due to AMC 
  Amount due to AMC HK 

(g)  Key management compensation

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

598 
(1) 
22 
37 
(4) 
11,667 
17 
(33) 

91 
(3) 
(62) 
(2) 

646
–
15
22
(2)
7,098
34
(64)

56
–
(43)
(1)

For the year ended 31 December
2009
RMB million

2010 
RMB million 

Salaries and other benefits 

17 

23

The  total  compensation  package  for  the  Company’s  key  managements  for  the  year  ended  31  December 
2010  has  not  yet  been  finalised  in  accordance  with  regulations  of  the  PRC  relevant  authorities.  The  final 
compensation  will  be  disclosed  in  a  separate  announcement  when  determined.  The  compensation  of  2009 
has been approved by relevant authorities which includes delay in payment about RMB 4 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

178

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

29  SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

(h)  Transactions with state-owned enterprises

Under IAS 24 (Amendment), business transactions between state-owned enterprises controlled by the PRC 
government are within the scope of related party transactions. CLIC, the ultimate holding company of the 
Group, is a state-owned enterprise. The Group’s key business is insurance relevant and therefore the business 
transactions with other state-owned enterprises are primarily related to insurance and investment activities. 
The  related  party  transactions  with  other  state-owned  enterprises  were  conducted  in  the  ordinary  course 
of  business.  Due  to  the  complex  ownership  structure,  the  PRC  government  may  hold  indirect  interests  in 
many companies. Some of these interests may, in themselves or when combined with other indirect interests, 
be  controlling  interests  which  may  not  be  known  to  the  Group.  Nevertheless,  the  Group  believes  that  the 
following  captures  the  material  related  parties  and  applied  IAS  24  (Amendment)  exemption  and  disclose 
only qualitative information.

As  at  31  December  2010,  most  of  bank  deposits  were  with  state-owned  banks;  the  issuers  of  corporate 
bonds  and  subordinated  bonds  held  by  the  Group  were  mainly  state-owned  enterprises.  For  the  year 
ended  31  December  2010,  a  large  portion  of  its  group  insurance  business  of  the  Group  were  with  state-
owned  enterprises;  the  majority  of  bancassurance  brokerage  charges  were  paid  to  state-owned  banks  and 
postal  office;  almost  all  of  the  reinsurance  agreements  of  the  Group  were  entered  into  with  a  state-owned 
reinsurance company; most of bank deposit interest income were from state-owned banks.

30  SHARE CAPITAL

Registered, authorized,
issued and fully paid

As at 31 December 2010 

As at 31 December 2009

No. of shares 

RMB million 

No. of shares 

RMB million

Ordinary shares of RMB1 each 

28,264,705,000 

28,265 

28,264,705,000 

28,265

As at 31 December 2010, the Company’s share capital was as follows:

Owned by CLIC (i) 
Owned by other equity holders 
Including: Domestic listed 
  Overseas listed 

Total 

As at 31 December 2010

No. of shares 

RMB million

19,323,530,000 
8,941,175,000 
1,500,000,000 
7,441,175,000 

19,324
8,941
1,500
7,441

28,264,705,000 

28,265

Overseas listed shares are traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and the New York Stock Exchange.

(i) 

All shares owned by CLIC are A shares.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

179

31  RESERVES

Group

Unrealised 
gains/(losses) 
from 
Additional  available-for-sale 
securities 
RMB million 

paid in capital 
RMB million 

Statutory 
reserve 
fund 
RMB million 
(a) 

Discretionary 
reserve fund 
RMB million 
(b) 

General 
reserve 
RMB million 
(c)

Exchange
differences on
translating
foreign
operations 
RMB million 

Total
RMB million

As at 1 January 2009 
Other comprehensive income for the year 
Appropriation to reserves 

53,860 
– 
– 

10,057 
10,745 
– 

9,555 
– 
3,293 

4,633 
– 
1,009 

6,343 
– 
3,293 

As at 31 December 2009 

53,860 

20,802 

12,848 

5,642 

9,636 

Other comprehensive loss for the year 
Appropriation to reserves 

– 
– 

(16,202) 
– 

– 
3,368 

– 
7,192 

– 
3,368 

As at 31 December 2010 

53,860 

4,600 

16,216 

12,834 

13,004 

(1) 
– 
– 

(1) 

(1) 
– 

(2) 

84,447
10,745
7,595

102,787

(16,203)
13,928

100,512

Company

Unrealised
gains/(losses)
from 
Additional  available-for-sale 
securities 
RMB million 

paid in capital 
RMB million 

Statutory 
reserve 
fund 
RMB million 
(a) 

Discretionary
reserve 
fund 
RMB million 
(b) 

General
reserve 
RMB million 
(c)

Total
RMB million

As at 1 January 2009 
Other comprehensive
income for the year 
Appropriation to reserve 

53,860 

9,753 

– 
– 

10,794 
– 

9,507 

– 
3,293 

4,633 

– 
1,009 

6,343 

84,096

– 
3,293 

10,794
7,595

As at 31 December 2009 

53,860 

20,547 

12,800 

5,642 

9,636 

102,485

Other comprehensive loss

for the year 

Appropriation to reserve 

– 
– 

(16,014) 
– 

– 
3,368 

– 
7,192 

– 
3,368 

(16,014)
13,928

As at 31 December 2010 

53,860 

4,533 

16,168 

12,834 

13,004 

100,399

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

180

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

31  RESERVES (continued)

(a)  Under  the  relevant  PRC  law,  the  Company  is  required  to  appropriate  10%  of  its  net  profit  under  CAS  to 
statutory  reserve  fund.  The  Company  appropriated  10%  of  net  profit  to  the  statutory  reserve  for  the  year 
ended 31 December 2010 and 2009 amounting to RMB 3,368 million and RMB 3,293 million respectively.

(b)  Approved  by  Annual  General  Meeting  In  June  2010,  the  Company  appropriated  RMB  3,293  million  to 
discretionary  reserve  fund  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2009  based  on  the  net  profit  under  A  share 
financial  statement  and  RMB  3,899  million  to  discretionary  reserve  fund  retrospectively  reflected  at  31 
December 2008 due to change of accounting policy. (2009: RMB 1,009 million).

(c) 

Pursuant  to  “Financial  Standards  of  Financial  Enterprises-Implementation  Guide”  issued  by  Ministry  of 
Finance of People’s Republic of China on 30 March 2007, for the year ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, 
the  Company  appropriated  10%  of  net  profit  under  CAS  which  is  RMB  3,368  million  and  RMB  3,293 
million  respectively  to  general  reserve  for  future  uncertain  disasters,  which  cannot  be  used  for  dividend 
distribution or share capital increment.

Under  related  PRC  law,  dividends  may  be  paid  only  out  of  distributable  profits.  Distributable  profits 
generally  means  the  Company’s  after-tax  profits  as  determined  under  accounting  standards  generally 
accepted in PRC or IFRS, whichever is lower, less any accumulated losses and allocations to statutory reserve 
that  the  Company  is  required  to  make,  subject  to  further  regulatory  restrictions.  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 was RMB 76,832 million as at 31 December 
2010 (as at 31 December 2009: RMB 78,491 million).

32  PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

The following is a summary of the significant contingent liabilities:

Group 

Company

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2009 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

Pending lawsuits 

139 

113 

139 

113

The Group has been involved in certain lawsuits arising from ordinary course of businesses. In order to accurately 
disclose the contingent liabilities for pending lawsuits, the Group analyzed all pending lawsuits at the end of each 
fiscal  year.  A  provision  will  only  be  recognized  if  the  management  determines,  based  on  third-party  legal  advice, 
that  we  have  present  obligations  and  the  settlement  of  which  is  expected  to  result  in  an  outflow  of  the  Group’s 
resources  embodying  economic  benefits,  and  the  amount  of  such  obligations  could  be  reasonably  estimated. 
Otherwise,  the  Group  will  disclose  the  pending  lawsuits  as  contingent  liabilities.  As  at  31  December  2010,  the 
Group didn’t recognize any provision for such certain lawsuits.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

181

33  COMMITMENTS

(a)  Capital commitments

i) 

Capital commitments for property, plant and equipment

Group 

Company

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2009 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

Contracted but not provided for 

5,082 

488 

5,082 

488

ii) 

Capital commitments to acquire Bohai Venture Capital Fund

The Group committed to contribute RMB 500 million to Bohai Venture Capital Fund of which RMB 
374 million had been paid at 31 December 2010. The remaining RMB 126 million will be paid when 
called.

iii)  Capital commitments in relation to the China South to North Water Diversion Project

The Group committed to contribute RMB 380 million to the China South to North Water Diversion 
Project RMB 76 million of the amount had been paid at 31 December 2010 with the remaining RMB 
304 million payable when called.

(b)  Operating lease commitments

The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Group 

Company

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2009 
RMB million 

As at 31 
December 2010 
RMB million 

As at 31
December 2009
RMB million

Land and buildings
  Not later than one year 
  Later than one year but

  not later than five years 

  Later than five years 

Total 

338 

453 
42 

833 

297 

478 
49 

824 

332 

449 
42 

823 

287

461
49

797

The operating lease payments charged to profit before income tax for the year ended 31 December 2010 was 
RMB 606 million (for the year ended 31 December 2009: RMB 593 million).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

182

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

34 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Company

As at  
31 December 
2010 
RMB million 

As at 
31 December
2009
RMB million

Unlisted investments at cost 

3,865 

3,865

The table below presents the basic information of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2010:

Name 

AMC 

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation 

Percentage 
of equity 
interest held 

Registered capital 

Principal
activities

People’s Republic of China 

60% directly 

RMB 3,000 million 

Asset management

Pension Company 

People’s Republic of China 

92.20% directly 
  and indirectly

RMB 2,500 million 

Pension and annuity

AMC HK 

Hong Kong, PRC 

50% indirectly 

HKD 60 million 

Assent management

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

183

35  DIRECTORS’, SUPERVISORS’ AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT’S REMUNERATION

The  total  compensation  package  for  these  directors,  supervisors  and  senior  managements  for  the  year  ended  31 
December  2010  has  not  yet  been  finalised  in  accordance  with  regulations  of  the  PRC  relevant  authorities.  The 
amount  of  the  compensation  not  provided  for  is  not  expected  to  have  significant  impact  to  the  Group’s  2010 
financial statements. The final compensation will be disclosed in a separate announcement when determined.

(a)  Directors’ emoluments

The  aggregate  amounts  of  emoluments  paid  to  directors  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  31  December 
2010 are as follows:

Name 

Yang Chao 
Wan Feng 
Lin Dairen 
Liu Yingqi 
Liao Jianmin 
Shi Guoqing 
Zhuang Zuojin 
Sun Shuyi (i) (iii) 
Ma Yongwei (iii) 
Sun Changji (iii) 
Bruce D.Moore 
Liang Dingbang (ii) 

Remuneration paid 

Benefits in kind 
RMB Thousand

775 
735 
693 
694 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
320 
175 

386 
361 
342 
360 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total

1,161
1,096
1,035
1,054
–
–
–
–
–
–
320
175

(i) 

Resigned as independent director in 2009 annual general meeting on 4 June 2010.

(ii) 

Appointed as independent director in 2009 annual general meeting on 4 June 2010.

(iii) 

In  accordance  with  regulations  of  the  PRC  relevant  authorities,  the  Company  didn’t  pay  any  emoluments  to 

independent directors Sun Shuyi, Ma Yongwei and Sun Changji.

 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

184

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

35  DIRECTORS’, SUPERVISORS’ AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT’S REMUNERATION 

(continued)

(a)  Directors’ emoluments (continued)

The  aggregate  amounts  of  emoluments  paid  to  directors  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  31  December 
2009 are as follows:

Name 

Basic 
salaries 

Inducement 
salaries 

Delay in
payment 
included 
in salary 
income 
  RMB Thousand

Subtotal 
of salary 
income 

Yang Chao 
Wan Feng 
Lin Dairen 
Liu Yingqi 
Liao Jianmin 
Shi Guoqing 
Zhuang Zuojin 
Sun Shuyi 
Ma Yongwei 
Sun Changji 
Long Yongtu 
Zhou Dexi 
Cai Rang 
Wei Weifeng 
Bruce D.Moore 

384 
346 
342 
342 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
131 
131 
131 
189 

1,069 
962 
951 
951 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,453 
1,308 
1,293 
1,293 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
131 
131 
131 
189 

534 
481 
476 
476 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Delay in
payment 
included 
in total 

Actual paid
include in
total

534 
481 
476 
476 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,340
1,223
1,188
1,201
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
131
131
131
189

Total 

1,874 
1,704 
1,664 
1,677 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
131 
131 
131 
189 

Benefits 
in kind 

421 
396 
371 
384 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

In  addition  to  the  directors’  emoluments  disclosed  above,  certain  directors  of  the  Company  receive 
emoluments from CLIC, amount of which has not been apportioned between their services to the Company 
and their services to CLIC.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

185

35  DIRECTORS’, SUPERVISORS’ AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT’S REMUNERATION 

(continued)

(b)  Supervisors’ emoluments

The aggregate amounts of emoluments paid to supervisors of the Company for the year ended 31 December 
2010 are as follows:

Name 

Xia Zhihua 
Shi Xiangming 
Yang Hong 
Wang Xu 
Tian Hui 

Remuneration paid 

Benefits in kind 
RMB Thousand

693 
588 
562 
562 
150 

342 
292 
290 
273 
– 

Total

1,035
880
852
835
150

The aggregate amounts of emoluments paid to supervisors of the Company for the year ended 31 December 
2009 are as follows:

Name 

Basic 
salaries 

Inducement 
salaries 

Delay in
payment 
included 
in salary 
income 
  RMB Thousand

Subtotal 
of salary 
income 

Xia Zhihua 
Shi Xiangming 
Yang Hong 
Wang Xu 
Wu Weimin 
Qing Ge 
Tian Hui 

342 
340 
550 
320 
250 
250 
150 

951 
205 
362 
174 
144 
116 
– 

1,293 
545 
912 
494 
394 
366 
150 

476 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Delay in
payment 
included 
in total 

Actual paid
included in
total

476 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,184
713
1,211
647
522
495
150

Total 

1,660 
713 
1,211 
647 
522 
495 
150 

Benefits 
in kind 

367 
168 
299 
153 
128 
129 
– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

186

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2010

35  DIRECTORS’, SUPERVISORS’ AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT’S REMUNERATION 

(continued)

(c)  Five highest paid individuals

The  five  individuals  whose  emoluments  were  the  highest  in  the  Company  include  three  (2009:  four) 
directors whose emoluments are reflected in the analysis presented above.

Details of remuneration of the remaining two (2009: one) highest paid individuals are as follows:

2010 
RMB 
Thousand 

2009
RMB
Thousand

Basic salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind 

4,436 

2,928

The emoluments fell within the following bands:

RMB1,000,000 – RMB2,000,000 
RMB2,000,000 – RMB3,000,000 
RMB4,000,000 – RMB4,500,001 
RMB6,000,000 – RMB6,500,000 

Number of individuals

2010 

2009

1 
1 
– 
– 

–
1
–
–

No emoluments have been paid by the Company to the directors or any of the five highest paid individuals 
as an inducement to join or upon joining the Company or as compensation for loss of office during the year 
ended 31 December 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Embedded Value

187

BACKGROUND
China Life Insurance Company Limited prepares financial statements to public investors in accordance with the relevant 
accounting standards. An alternative measure of the value and profitability of a life insurance company can be provided 
by the embedded value method. Embedded value is an actuarially determined estimate of the economic value of the life 
insurance business of an insurance company based on a particular set of assumptions about future experience, excluding 
the economic value of future new business. In addition, the value of one year’s sales represents an actuarially determined 
estimate of the economic value arising from new life insurance business issued in one year.

China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  believes  that  reporting  the  Company’s  embedded  value  and  value  of  one 
year’s sales provides useful information to investors in two respects. First, the value of the Company’s in-force business 
represents the total amount of distributable earnings, in present value terms, which can be expected to emerge over time, 
in accordance with the assumptions used. Second, the value of one year’s sales provides an indication of the value created 
for  investors  by  new  business  activity  and  hence  the  potential  of  the  business.  However,  the  information  on  embedded 
value  and  value  of  one  year’s  sales  should  not  be  viewed  as  a  substitute  of  financial  measures  under  the  relevant 
accounting bases. Investors should not make investment decisions based solely on embedded value information and the 
value of one year’s sales.

It is important to note that actuarial standards with respect to the calculation of embedded value are still evolving. There 
is  still  no  universal  standard  which  defines  the  form,  calculation  methodology  or  presentation  format  of  the  embedded 
value  of  an  insurance  company.  Hence,  differences  in  definition,  methodology,  assumptions,  accounting  basis  and 
disclosures may cause inconsistency when comparing the results of different companies.

Also,  embedded  value  calculation  involves  substantial  technical  complexity  and  estimates  can  vary  materially  as  key 
assumptions are changed. Therefore, special care is advised when interpreting embedded value results.

The  values  shown  below  do  not  consider  the  future  financial  effect  of  the  Policy  Management  Agreement  Between 
China  Life  Insurance  (Group)  Company  (“CLIC”)  and  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited,  the  Non-competition 
Agreement  Between  CLIC  and  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited,  the  Trademark  License  Agreement  Between 
CLIC and China Life Insurance Company Limited, and the Property Leasing Agreement Between China Life Investment 
Holding Company Limited and China Life Insurance Company Limited, nor the future financial impact of transactions 
of  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  with  China  Life  Asset  Management  Company  Limited,  China  Life  Pension 
Company Limited, and China Life Property and Casualty Insurance Company Limited. 

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

188

Embedded Value

DEFINITIONS OF EMBEDDED VALUE AND VALUE OF ONE YEAR’S SALES
The embedded value of a life insurer is defined as the sum of the adjusted net worth and the value of in-force business 
allowing for the cost of capital supporting a company’s desired solvency margin.

“Adjusted net worth” is equal to the sum of:

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

Net assets, defined as assets less PRC solvency policy reserves and other liabilities; and

Net-of-tax  adjustments  for  relevant  differences  between  the  market  value  and  the  book  value  of  assets,  together 
with relevant net-of-tax adjustments to certain liabilities.

The market value of assets can fluctuate significantly over time due to the impact of the prevailing market environment. 
Hence the adjusted net worth can fluctuate significantly between valuation dates.

The  “value  of  in-force  business”  and  the  “value  of  one  year’s  sales”  are  defined  here  as  the  discounted  value  of  the 
projected  stream  of  future  after-tax  distributable  profits  for  existing  in-force  business  at  the  valuation  date  and  for  one 
year’s  sales  in  the  12  months  immediately  preceding  the  valuation  date.  Distributable  profits  arise  after  allowance  for 
PRC solvency reserves and solvency margins at the required regulatory minimum level.

The  value  of  in-force  business  and  the  value  of  one  year’s  sales  have  been  determined  using  a  traditional  deterministic 
discounted  cash  flow  methodology.  This  methodology  makes  implicit  allowance  for  the  cost  of  investment  guarantees 
and policyholder options, asset/liability mismatch risk, credit risk and the economic cost of capital through the use of a 
risk-adjusted discount rate.

PREPARATION AND REVIEW
The  embedded  value  and  the  value  of  one  year’s  sales  were  prepared  by  China  Life  Insurance  Company  Limited  in 
accordance  with  “Life  Insurance  Embedded  Value  Reporting  Guidelines”  issued  by  China  Insurance  Regulatory 
Commission. Towers Watson, an international firm of consultants, performed a review of China Life’s embedded value. 
The review statement from Towers Watson is contained in the “Towers Watson’s Review Opinion Report on Embedded 
Value” section.

China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Embedded Value

189

ASSUMPTIONS

Economic assumptions:
The  calculations  are  based  upon  assumed  corporate  tax  rate  of  25%  for  all  years.  The  investment  returns  are  assumed 
to  be  4.85%  in  2010  and  grading  to  5.35%  in  2012,  rising  to  5.5%  in  2013  (remaining  level  thereafter).  An  average 
of  15%  from  2010  to  2016,  and  13  %  in  2017  (remaining  level  thereafter)  of  the  investment  return  is  assumed  to  be 
exempt  from  income  tax.  These  investment  return  and  tax  exempt  assumptions  are  based  on  the  Company’s  strategic 
asset mix and expected future returns. The risk-adjusted discount rate used is 11%.

Other  operating  assumptions  such  as  mortality,  morbidity,  lapses  and  expenses  are  based  on  the  Company’s  recent 
operating experience and expected future outlook.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
The embedded value as at 31 December 2010 and the value of one year’s sales for the 12 months to 31 December 2010, 
and their corresponding results in 2009 are shown below.

Table 1
Components of Embedded Value and Value of One Year’s Sales  

ITEM  

A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 

Adjusted Net Worth 
Value of In-Force Business before Cost of Solvency Margin  
Cost of Solvency Margin 
Value of In-Force Business after Cost of Solvency Margin (B+C)  
Embedded Value (A + D) 
Value of One Year’s Sales before Cost of Solvency Margin  
Cost of Solvency Margin 
Value of One Year’s Sales after Cost of Solvency Margin (F + G) 

Notes:  1)  Numbers may not be additive due to rounding.

2)  Taxable income is based on distributable earnings calculated using solvency reserves

RMB million

2010 

2009

144,655 
183,008 
(29,564) 
153,444 
298,099 
23,726 
(3,887) 
19,839 

159,948
149,387
(24,106)
125,282
285,229
21,352
(3,638)
17,713

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

190

Embedded Value

MOVEMENT ANALYSIS
The following analysis tracks the movement of the embedded value from the start to the end of 2010.

Table 2
Analysis of Embedded Value Movement

ITEM  

Embedded Value at Start of Year 
Expected Return on Embedded Value  
Value of New Business in the Period 
Operating Experience Variance  
Investment Experience Variance 
Methodology, Model and Assumption Changes 

A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G  Market Value Adjustment  
Exchange Gains or Losses 
H 
Shareholder Dividend Distribution 
I 
Other  
J 
Embedded Value as at 31 Dec 2010 (sum A through J) 
K 

Notes:  1)  Numbers may not be additive due to rounding.

2)  Items B through J are explained below:

RMB million

285,229
23,922
19,839
(3)
(9,297)
413
(1,937)
(391)
(19,785)
109
298,099

B 

Reflects unwinding of the opening value of in-force business and value of new business sales in 2010 plus the expected 

return on investments supporting the 2010 opening net worth.

Value of new business sales in 2010.

Reflects  the  difference  between  actual  experience  in  2010  (including  lapse,  mortality,  morbidity,  and  expense  etc.) 

and the assumptions.

Compares actual with expected investment returns during 2010.

Reflects the effect of projection method, model enhancements and assumption changes.

Change  in  the  market  value  adjustment  from  the  beginning  of  2010  to  the  end  of  2010,  and  other  related 

adjustments.

Reflect the gains or losses due to change in exchange rate.

Reflects dividends distributed to shareholders during 2010.

Other miscellaneous items.

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

Embedded Value

191

SENSITIVITY TESTING
Sensitivity  testing  was  performed  using  a  range  of  alternative  assumptions.  In  each  of  the  sensitivity  tests,  only  the 
assumption  referred  to  was  changed,  with  all  other  assumptions  remaining  unchanged.  The  results  are  summarized 
below.

Table 3
Sensitivity Results  

RMB million

VALUE OF IN-FORCE  VALUE OF ONE YEAR’S 
BUSINESS AFTER COST OF  SALES AFTER COST OF
SOLVENCY MARGIN

SOLVENCY MARGIN 

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 

8. 

Base case scenario 
Risk discount rate of 11.5% 
Risk discount rate of 10.5% 
10% increase in investment return 
10% decrease in investment return 
10% increase in expenses 
10% decrease in expenses 
10% increase in mortality rate for non-annuity products 
and 10% decrease in mortality rate for annuity products 
10% decrease in mortality rate for non-annuity products
and 10% increase in mortality rate for annuity products 
10% increase in lapse rates 
10% decrease in lapse rates 
10% increase in morbidity rates 
10% decrease in morbidity rates 
10% increase in claim ratio of short term business 
10% decrease in claim ratio of short term business 
Solvency margin at 150% of statutory minimum 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16.  Using 2009 EV assumptions 
17.  Taxable income based on accounting profit in accordance to

153,444 
145,375 
162,126 
182,023 
125,022 
151,002 
155,882 

151,791 

155,118 
152,080 
154,857 
151,609 
155,294 
153,162 
153,725 
139,372 
153,452 

“the Provisions on the Accounting Treatment Related to Insurance Contracts”  

148,722 

Base Case Scenario 

18.  Taxable income based on accounting profit in accordance to 

Adjusted Net Worth
144,655

“the Provisions on the Accounting Treatment Related to Insurance Contracts”  

137,155

Note:   Taxable income is based on distributable earnings calculated using solvency reserves for Scenarios 1 to 16.

19,839
18,794
20,959
22,667
17,040
18,014
21,664

19,757

19,920
19,756
19,916
19,756
19,922
19,249
20,429
17,865
19,809

19,990

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Life Insurance Company Limited     Annual Report 2010

192

Embedded Value

TOWERS WATSON’S REVIEW OPINION REPORT ON EMBEDDED VALUE

To The Directors of China Life Insurance Company Limited

China Life Insurance Company Limited (“China Life”) has prepared embedded value results for the financial year ended 
31 December 2010 (“EV Results”). The disclosure of these EV Results, together with a description of the methodology 
and assumptions that have been used, are shown in the Embedded Value section.

China  Life  has  engaged  Towers  Watson  Pennsylvania  Inc.,  trading  as  Towers  Watson  (“Towers  Watson”)  to  review  its 
EV Results. This report is addressed solely to China Life in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter, and sets 
out  the  scope  of  our  work  and  our  conclusions.  To  the  fullest  extent  permitted  by  applicable  law,  we  do  not  accept  or 
assume any responsibility, duty of care or liability to anyone other than China Life for or in connection with our review 
work, the opinions we have formed, or for any statement set forth in this report.

Scope of work
Our scope of work covered:

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

a review of the methodology used to develop the embedded value and value of one year’s sales as at 31 December 
2010, in the light of the requirements of the “Life Insurance Embedded Value Reporting Guidelines” issued by the 
China Insurance Regulatory Commission (“CIRC”) in September 2005;
a review of the economic and operating assumptions used to develop the embedded value and value of one year’s 
sales as at 31 December 2010;
a review of the results of China Life’s calculation of the EV Results.

In carrying out our review, we have relied on the accuracy of audited and unaudited data and information provided by 
China Life.

Opinion
Based on the scope of work above, we have concluded that:

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

the  embedded  value  methodology  used  by  China  Life  is  consistent  with  the  requirements  of  the  “Life  Insurance 
Embedded  Value  Reporting  Guidelines”  issued  by  the  CIRC.  The  methodology  applied  by  China  Life  is  a 
common  methodology  used  to  determine  embedded  values  of  life  insurance  companies  in  China  at  the  current 
time;
the  economic  assumptions  used  by  China  Life  are  internally  consistent,  have  been  set  with  regard  to  current 
economic  conditions,  and  have  made  allowance  for  the  company’s  current  and  expected  future  asset  mix  and 
investment strategy;
the operating assumptions used by China Life have been set with appropriate regard to past, current and expected 
future experience;
no changes have been assumed to the treatment of tax, but some sensitivity results relating to tax have been shown 
by China Life; and
the EV Results have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the methodology and assumptions 
set out in the Embedded Value section.

For and on behalf of Towers Watson
Adrian Liu FIAA, FCAA

15th March 2011

In case of any discrepancy between the printed version and the website version of 
this annual report, the website version shall prevail.

Stock Code: 2628

Annual Report 2010

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