China population: rust-belt province Heilongjiang unveils plan to halt exodus of residents, boost births
- Heilongjiang’s population has plummeted by 16 per cent, or 6.46 million, from a decade ago, according to data from China’s 2020 census
- The provincial government has promised to promote Beijing’s three-child policy and launch incentives for couples to have children
One of China’s key farming provinces is stepping up efforts to halt a decline in its population, which the local government says is hindering economic development.
Pressure is growing on Heilongjiang in China’s northeastern rust belt as its population has plummeted by 16 per cent, or 6.46 million, from a decade ago, according to data from the 2020 census.
At a meeting chaired by provincial party secretary Xu Qin, the province’s population problem was labelled “a strategic issue” hindering “revitalisation and development”, according to a statement published in the local government-owned Heilongjiang Daily on Tuesday.
Authorities pledged to formulate a long-term plan to address the province’s population and its connection with economic and social development.
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China tackles challenges posed by its ageing population
Supporting local businesses and boosting employment would create “stability” and “fundamentally solve the outflow of residents”, the statement said.
