China Introduces Slew of Policies to Counter Declining Births

China has announced measures to boost birth rates amid a declining population over the past two years. The State Council's family planning policies aim to foster a "new marriage and childbearing culture" by promoting early marriage, shared parenting responsibilities, and support for childcare.

New policies will include enhanced maternity insurance, extended maternity leave, childcare subsidies, and expanded medical resources for children. Local governments are also urged to fund childcare centers and offer preferential tax benefits for these services. According to Yang Chang, chief policy analyst at Zhongtai Securities Research Institute, these steps may set a precedent for future initiatives to counter declining birth rates.

The policy adjustments also address education support through increased financial aid for disadvantaged families and a gradual expansion of free education. Housing support for families with multiple children and employment protection for pregnant women and mothers are other key areas of focus. Additionally, non-commercial platforms will be established to help young people form relationships to encourage marriage and childbearing.

These initiatives follow a recent survey on childbearing attitudes, intended to understand factors influencing people’s willingness to have children.