China Unveils New Policies to Encourage Births Amid Aging Population
China is taking significant steps to address its rapidly aging population by introducing a series of new policies aimed at making it easier and more attractive for families to have children.
On Monday, the State Council released a directive outlining 13 targeted measures designed to enhance childbirth support services across the nation. These measures focus on expanding child-care systems, offering greater support in education, housing, and employment, and fostering a social atmosphere that is more conducive to raising children.
Facing a Demographic Challenge
As the world’s second most populous country, China is grappling with a demographic shift that has seen its population begin to decline since 2022. The proportion of people aged 65 and over has surpassed 14 percent, officially marking China as a moderately aged society.
Official data reveals that nearly 300 million Chinese citizens are currently aged 60 or above. Projections indicate that this number will exceed 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by 2050, with elders expected to account for nearly 35 percent of the nation’s population by that time.
Easing Family Planning Policies
In response to these trends, China has been gradually relaxing its family planning policies over the past decade. In 2013, the country allowed couples to have a second child if either parent was an only child. This policy was further relaxed in 2016, permitting all married couples to have two children, effectively phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. In 2021, the policy was updated again to allow couples to have a third child.
Building a Birth-Friendly Society
The newly announced measures aim to build on these policy changes by creating an environment that supports families at all stages of child-rearing. By enhancing childcare services and providing support in critical areas such as education and housing, the government hopes to alleviate some of the financial and social pressures that can deter couples from having more children.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to balance the population structure and promote sustainable economic and social development. By addressing the challenges posed by an aging population now, China is working to secure a more prosperous future for all its citizens.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
