China announces financial benefits for young families to boost birth rate | Abroad

The country, with a population of 1.4 billion, has recently been battling a lingering demographic crisis. This is a result of the rapidly aging workforce, the slowing economy and the low population growth of recent decades.

Although Beijing ended its draconian one-child policy in 2016 and allowed married couples to have three children last year, the birth rate has plunged in the last five years. The Chinese Ministry of Health has previously said that China’s population will decline by 2025.

In 2021, 10.62 million births were registered in China, which according to official data corresponds to the lowest level since 1978. It is not only the higher cost of living that is responsible for the birth rate. According to the authorities, there is also a cultural shift, with Chinese people increasingly preferring smaller families.

China’s National Health Commission today announced a new set of measures for local governments to invest more in reproductive health and childcare. The new policy should ensure that families enjoy tax benefits and better health insurance, among other things. In addition, they should receive financial support in education, housing and employment.

Several wealthy Chinese cities have already implemented some “pregnancy promotion” measures. However, the campaign also aims to “prevent unplanned pregnancies and avoid abortions that are not medically necessary.” In addition, all provinces of the country must provide sufficient crèches for children aged two to three by the end of the year. The country also suffers from a serious shortage of childcare services.