Provincial government announcements or reports from Chinese media

China Implements Measures, Including Childbirth Subsidy, to Combat Demographic Crisis Amidst Declining Birth Rates and UN's Half Population Loss Prediction

Nov 11, 2024, 07:23 AM

China is facing a demographic crisis, prompting the government to implement measures aimed at increasing birth rates. In 2023, eight Chinese provincial-level regions reported positive natural population growth rates, indicating some success in these efforts. However, analysts suggest that the initiatives lack sufficient incentives to encourage families to have more children. The United Nations has warned that China could lose over half of its population by 2100, marking the most significant decline of any country. Key steps being taken include the establishment of a childbirth subsidy system, the expansion of childcare services, and the implementation of maternity leave, as highlighted by China's health minister. Despite these measures, experts remain skeptical about their effectiveness in reversing the declining fertility trends.