Meanwhile, China's labor minister Yin Weimin promised that his ministry will "make all efforts" to address the country's tough employment picture this year.

Yin told China Youth Daily the ministry has planned a handful of measures to stimulate employment, including tax cuts and subsidies for small employers, favorable loans for individuals starting up new businesses, and training programs for job seekers and would-be self-employers.

Policy makers are already looking past the current crisis.

"Normally, a crisis like this leads to a new period of growth, which demands more and better workers. If our country can manage to position its labor forces correctly now, we will be ready to take advantage of new opportunities when they arrive," said Cai, the NPC Standing Committee member.

While the debate rages in Beijing, millions of unemployed migrant workers face bleak prospects at home. Many have started small groceries or poultry farms in their hometowns, hoping to weather the economic storm.