Editorial | Population push by Beijing calls for shift in attitudes of society
- State Council proposals to reverse a declining population through a series of incentives are only the beginning and require the support of all
The multipronged strategy China needs to reverse a declining population is laid out in a State Council policy document. Issued by 17 ministries, it contains approaches widely acknowledged by demographers as being necessary to encourage couples to marry and have children.
On paper, it would seem to have the right ingredients for success. But formulating a plan is only the beginning; ensuring it is properly enacted and supported by local governments, employers and society is essential.
Beijing’s goal is for couples to have up to three children. China has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, with the average number of babies born to each woman being just 1.3.
Falling birth levels and an ageing population have grave implications for national development. Encouraging people to raise families is an important first step.
02:23
World population set to hit 8 billion, with India overtaking China as most-populous country
But a web of factors has to be dealt with. Child-rearing is expensive in many urban areas due to rising costs for housing, food and education and a paucity of affordable day-care options.
