BEIJING — In an ambitious bid to address declining birth rates and demographic challenges, China has unveiled an extensive array of stimulus policies earlier this week aimed at fostering a more childbirth-friendly society through a comprehensive multipronged approach.
The latest stimulus measures, announced on Monday by the State Council — the executive branch of China’s government — encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the expansion of child care systems, the cultivation of a supportive social atmosphere for births, and the enhancement of educational, housing, and employment support for families.
This announcement has ignited fervent discussions across digital platforms, with many internet users applauding the government’s proactive stance as an “encouraging signal.” Simultaneously, there is a strong call for the rigorous implementation of these policies, as well as an increase in material support from both the government and society at large to ensure their effectiveness.
“The new stimulus policies are very necessary and can help tackle practical issues faced by many families with children or planning to have children,” said a user from East China’s Zhejiang province on the wildly popular microblogging site Weibo, echoing a sentiment widely shared among concerned citizens.
A nationwide survey conducted by the National Health Commission in 2021 highlighted a worrying trend: Chinese women exhibited a decreasing willingness to have children, primarily driven by concerns regarding economic burdens, the scarcity of time to devote to child-rearing, and the potential sacrifice of career opportunities.
“For most couples who are not wealthy enough to allow one person to be a full-time homemaker, raising children usually poses the biggest challenge,” lamented another Weibo user from Sichuan province in Southwest China. “Young mothers in cities often have to sacrifice job promotion opportunities or even face job loss due to childbirth.” This reflects a common sentiment of anxiety regarding the trade-offs involved in starting a family.
The newly introduced government measures promise to include individuals in flexible employment arrangements and those engaged in newer employment types, along with rural-origin migrant workers, into the maternity insurance scheme, provided they have already contributed to the basic medical insurance scheme for urban workers.
Yuan Xin, a respected professor at Nankai University and vice-president of the China Population Association, emphasized that these latest measures aim to create sound external conditions conducive to childbearing by enhancing supporting policies from a holistic perspective.
“The ultimate goal is to make young people ‘want to, dare to, and be able to’ have children,” Yuan added, underscoring the long-term vision of these initiatives to positively influence family planning decisions.
As one of the world’s most populous nations, China is grappling with the escalating challenge presented by its rapidly aging 1.4-billion-strong population. Official statistics reveal that nearly 300 million Chinese citizens are aged 60 or above—a staggering figure projected to exceed 400 million by the year 2033 and potentially approach 500 million by 2050. At that time, seniors are expected to constitute nearly 35 percent of the nation’s population, raising concerns about the sustainability of social systems.
In response to these significant demographic shifts, China has gradually relaxed its family planning policies over the last decade, systematically phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. In 2021, the government further announced supportive measures for couples wishing to have a third child, reflecting a national strategy to encourage larger families.
Local governments across the country have implemented a suite of stimulus measures to promote childbirth, including subsidies, expanded insurance coverage, extended maternity leave, and the establishment of additional public child care facilities to ease the burden on new parents.
As of the end of 2023, official data indicates that China has established care service facilities capable of accommodating 4.77 million children under the age of 3, translating to approximately 3.38 offerings for every 1,000 residents in the country. Moreover, in 2023, non-profit kindergartens accounted for a remarkable 86.2 percent of all kindergartens in China, marking an important step towards accessible early childhood education.
Recently, a county in East China’s Jiangxi province gained noteworthy attention for its bold financial incentives—offering 7,000 yuan (about $982) in subsidies for couples having a second child and a generous 13,000 yuan for those opting for a third child, thereby directly addressing the financial concerns of prospective parents.
Notably, Zhao Shaoxia, a health official in the city of Tengchong, located in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, pointed out that future successful implementation of government stimulus policies will require cross-sector coordination. This collaboration is essential for effectively realizing the promised benefits and accelerating the development of a birth-friendly social environment.
“For young people, the government’s support policies are indispensable,” commented Wang Peng, a 32-year-old store owner in Shanghai. “People need to realize the benefits of having children while also having confidence that costs incurred will be bearable.” This statement encapsulates the urgent need for societal and governmental assurances to facilitate family growth amidst challenging economic landscapes.
**Interview with Professor Yuan Xin: Expert Insight on China’s New Birth Stimulus Policies**
*Editor (E):* Good afternoon, Professor Yuan. Thank you for joining us today. This week, China announced a comprehensive set of stimulus policies aimed at addressing declining birth rates. What do you consider to be the most significant aspects of these new measures?
*Professor Yuan Xin (Y):* Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The recent announcement by the State Council is indeed pivotal. One of the most significant aspects is the holistic approach these measures adopt. This includes improvements in childcare support, employment protections for parents, and enhancing the overall environment for families. By tackling economic concerns directly and providing systems that support parenting, the government is attempting to create a society where having children is a feasible option for more couples.
*E:* Many citizens have responded positively to these measures, expressing hope that they will effectively support families. However, there are also calls for rigorous implementation. Why is this aspect crucial?
*Y:* Implementation is key because good policies on paper do not always translate into real-world benefits. There needs to be a robust framework for enforcing these initiatives, along with clear channels for citizens to access the support offered. Without genuine commitment from local governments and consistent follow-through, these measures may fall short of their intended impact.
*E:* A survey from 2021 indicated that many women are hesitant to have children due to economic burdens and career sacrifices. How do you think these new measures will address those concerns?
*Y:* The new policies aim to alleviate some of the economic pressures families face. By incorporating flexible employment arrangements and extending maternity insurance to various worker types, including rural migrant workers, the government is acknowledging the changing nature of work and family dynamics in China. These initiatives can help mitigate the loss of income and job security that many young parents experience, potentially encouraging them to consider expanding their families.
*E:* Your comments suggest a long-term vision. How do you see these policies affecting the larger demographic challenges China faces, particularly with an aging population?
*Y:* The demographic challenges are extensive, with projections indicating that nearly 500 million individuals will be aged 60 or above by 2050. By nurturing a more supportive environment for families now, we can foster a larger, younger population that will help balance the age distribution in the future. The ultimate goal is for young people to ‘want to, dare to, and be able to’ have children. Long-term sustainability also depends on integrating this younger workforce effectively into our evolving economy.
*E:* In light of these ambitious policies, what do you hope to see from both the government and society in the coming months?
*Y:* I hope to see proactive engagement from both the government and communities. Beyond policy implementation, society needs to foster a supportive culture around parenthood, advocating for shared responsibilities among family members and reducing the stigma attached to young people starting families. Only then can we truly create an environment where having children is regarded as a positive and viable choice.
*E:* Thank you, Professor Yuan, for your valuable insights on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how these policies unfold in the near future.
*Y:* Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial moment for China, and the implications of these policies will be felt for generations to come.
