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China's population
EconomyChina Economy

China population: Beijing rounds up experts for birth rate recommendations as youths report reluctance

  • China has brought together high-level officials and experts to discuss potential ways to increase fertility rates or prevent continued decline
  • Gathering comes as newly published survey shows young people hesitant to start a family, even with new policies intended to boost births

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China’s declining birth rate has been a perpetual headache for policymakers. Photo: Bloomberg
Mia Nulimaimaiti

China’s top political advisory body has gathered some of its highest ranking members to discuss how to build an environment friendly to raising families, a clarifying moment for the country’s worrying demographic trends as earlier incentives show little progress in buoying a sharp decline in fertility rates.

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Despite Beijing’s relaxation of limits on the number of children permitted per household and promises of financial support to new parents, a recently published survey showed a lack of employment prospects and maternity benefits are large enough deterrents for would-be parents to outweigh the benefits of cash payments or tax incentives.

Over 100 members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), many of whom are subject-matter experts in demography or economics, joined the meeting in Beijing on Saturday, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

“Beijing needs to systematically plan its population policy and increase social support for childbearing to alleviate the financial burdens associated with parenthood and children’s education,” said Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong.

The high-level conclave underscores the intensity of focus China has placed on looming demographic challenges as the country – historically reliant on a large labour force to fuel economic growth – attempts to halt a precipitous slide in birth rates.

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