China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images
China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images
Ageing society
People & Culture /  Social Welfare

Can China encourage its people to have more babies? New local government proposal attempts to address demographic fears

  • Proposal to create a ‘good matchmaking environment’ and motivate women aged between 21 to 29 to give birth includes increasing benefits for married couples
  • Experts raise doubts over the proposal, pointing to ethical issues over further population control and the high cost of living in Chinese cities

Topic |   Ageing society
Qin Chen
Qin Chen in Beijing

Updated: 10:38am, 26 Jan, 2021

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China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images
China reported 14.65 million births in 2019, its lowest number since 1961, and the country’s population could start to shrink as soon as 2027, according to a state-run think tank in Beijing. Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images
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