China is addressing its declining birth rate with a new survey to understand people’s fears about having children. The country’s birth rate has been falling since the implementation of the one-child policy in the late 1980s, leading to a decline in population. Despite efforts to encourage more births, China’s total population dropped for the second consecutive year in 2023.
In response, China is conducting a study involving 30,000 respondents to identify the root causes of the declining birth rate. The survey aims to provide data for public agencies to enhance fertility support policies. Chinese officials are advocating for marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages and promoting shared parenting responsibilities.
To combat the declining population, China abolished the one-child policy in 2015 and introduced financial incentives for couples to have more children. President Xi Jinping declared boosting the birth rate a national priority in 2022. Despite these efforts, factors like the rising cost of living continue to deter people from having children.
As China grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce, policymakers are considering raising the retirement age for state employees to address the demographic challenges.
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