People cross the street in Shanghai on May 11. China must make a whole-of-society push to raise the birth rate, and this must include making childcare more accessible to working families. Photo: EPA-EFE
People cross the street in Shanghai on May 11. China must make a whole-of-society push to raise the birth rate, and this must include making childcare more accessible to working families. Photo: EPA-EFE
Winston Mok
Opinion

Opinion

The View by Winston Mok

China census underlines the need to go all out on pro-birth policies

  • The shrinking working-age population and continuing fall in birth numbers should shake policymakers out of their belief that postponing retirement will be adequate in averting a crisis
  • Hukou reform will also help, but encouraging families to have children – with an array of carrots and sticks – remains China’s best bet

Winston Mok
Winston Mok

Updated: 6:08am, 13 May, 2021

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People cross the street in Shanghai on May 11. China must make a whole-of-society push to raise the birth rate, and this must include making childcare more accessible to working families. Photo: EPA-EFE
People cross the street in Shanghai on May 11. China must make a whole-of-society push to raise the birth rate, and this must include making childcare more accessible to working families. Photo: EPA-EFE
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