China is taking a bold step to reverse its declining birth rate by unveiling a comprehensive set of 13 new birth support policies on Monday.
The initiative, detailed in a directive from the State Council, aims to create a more child-friendly society by enhancing childbirth support services, expanding child-care systems, and providing stronger support in education, housing, and employment sectors.
As the world's second most populous nation, China is grappling with significant demographic shifts. Since 2022, the country has been experiencing a population decline, with individuals aged 65 and above making up over 14% of the population. This trend is projected to intensify, with nearly 300 million Chinese citizens aged 60 or above currently, a number expected to exceed 500 million by 2050.
In response to these challenges, China has been gradually relaxing its family planning policies over the past decade. Starting in 2013, the nation allowed couples to have a second child if either parent was an only child, followed by the introduction of a two-child policy in 2016. Most recently, in 2021, China permitted families to have a third child. These new measures represent the latest efforts to encourage larger families and address the aging population crisis.
By fostering a birth-friendly social atmosphere and supporting families through various stages of child-rearing, China hopes to stabilize and eventually grow its population, ensuring economic and social vitality for the future.
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