China is taking significant steps to address its demographic challenges by introducing a series of new birth support policies. On Monday, the State Council unveiled 13 targeted measures aimed at creating a society more conducive to raising children.
These measures focus on enhancing childbirth support services, expanding child-care systems, strengthening support in education, housing, and employment, and fostering a birth-friendly social atmosphere. By implementing these policies, China hopes to encourage more families to have children, counteracting the effects of its rapidly aging population.
As the world's second most populous country, China is grappling with a population that is aging at an unprecedented rate. Since 2022, the nation has entered a population decline phase, with over 14 percent of its population aged 65 or above, marking it as a moderately aged society.
Official data reveals that nearly 300 million Chinese citizens are aged 60 or above, a number expected to surpass 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by 2050. By then, elders will account for nearly 35 percent of the nation's population, presenting significant economic and social challenges.
In response to these demographic shifts, China has gradually relaxed its family planning policies over the past decade. In 2013, couples were allowed to have a second child if either parent was an only child. This eventually led to the 2016 policy allowing married couples to have two children, phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. By 2021, the threshold was further raised, permitting couples to have a third child.
With the introduction of these new policies, China aims to build a more supportive environment for families, ensuring that citizens have the necessary resources and support to raise children amidst the ongoing demographic changes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
