![]()
China on Monday announced new policy measures to boost fertility, support child-rearing and promote a child-friendly society as it grapples with a declining birth rate and an aging population.
In 2023, only 9.02 million babies were born nationwide, the lowest number since 1949, marking two consecutive years of negative population growth. Meanwhile, more than 20% of the population is now over 60 years old, making China a moderately aging society.中国正面对日益加剧的老龄少子化冲击。2023年全国902万名新生儿，创下1949年以来最低纪录，伴随新生儿数量“坍塌”，中国人口自2022年起已连续两年负增长。老龄化程度再加深，截至2023年底，全国60岁以上老年人口占比突破20%，进入中度老龄化社会。
To address this demographic challenge, the State Council on Monday issued a policy package, including 13 key support areas, focusing on fertility, child-rearing, education, housing and employment, with the aim of creating population growth.The policy proposes to improve maternity leave regulations. Local governments are told to coordinate funds from multiple sources and establish a cost-sharing mechanism to strengthen maternity leave systems. The aim is to ensure new mothers receive the leave and childcare mandated by law.生育服务方面，《措施》提出，完善生育休假制度。各地要完善生育休假政策，统筹多渠道资金，建立合理的成本共担机制，加大对生育休假落实情况的监督力度，保障法律法规规定的产假、生育奖励假、陪产假、育儿假等生育假期落实到位。
The government plans to introduce a national maternity subsidy system. More than 30 regions already offer local subsidies. Once the national subsidy is implemented, existing local lump-sum payments for second and third children will remain, but monthly benefits will be discontinued, a local health official told Caixin.这意味着全国性生育补贴制度有望出台。在此之前，全国已有30余地区出台地方性生育补贴制度。有地方卫健委官员告诉财新，在国家层面生育补贴制度出台后，当地对二孩、三孩家庭的一次性补贴仍将保留，按月发放的补贴金将不再发放。Tax relief measures — such as increasing individual income tax deductions for childcare and education costs — will be enhanced.![]()
Medical staff at Xinle Hospital in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, inform expectant mothers about breast feeding on Aug. 5, 2024.Healthcare reforms are also central to the plan. The new measures will expand access to reproductive health services, including labor pain relief and assisted reproductive technologies, which will be covered by medical insurance. Prenatal education will be promoted to reduce unplanned pregnancies and support care for early pregnancies and abortions.
The policy seeks to boost the supply of affordable childcare services and improve subsidies for childcare institutions. Local governments will be encouraged to offer preferential tax rates for these services, and childcare institutions will be eligible for discounts on utilities to reduce operational costs. A talent development plan for the childcare industry is also in the pipeline.育幼服务方面，《措施》提出，增加普惠托育服务供给，完善普惠托育支持政策。鼓励有条件的地方结合实际对普惠托育机构给予适当运营补助。各地要落实好托育服务税费优惠、托育机构用水用电用气用热按照居民生活类价格执行等政策。制定托育行业人才培养计划。
The government intends to optimize the distribution of educational resources, to align with shifting population patterns. Policies such as the “double reduction” initiative, which aims to reduce the burden of excessive homework for pupils and reduce the financial anxiety of parents facing extra educational costs, will be reinforced. Schools will also be encouraged to offer more after-school services and provide coeducational places to help families with more than one child.《措施》提到，优化区域教育资源配置，建立同人口变化相协调的基本公共教育服务供给机制。深入落实“双减”政策，支持中小学校积极开展课后服务和社会实践项目，努力满足学生多样化学习需求。鼓励各地出台多孩子女同校就读具体实施办法，帮助解决家长接送不便问题。
In the housing sector, the policy proposes incentives for families with a number of children. This includes raising the housing provident fund loan limits and expanding access to low-income housing. Families with young children will receive priority in housing programs, and the government aims to develop the rental market to ensure tenants enjoy equal public services.同时，鼓励有条件的地方加大对多子女家庭购房的支持力度，可结合实际出台适当提高住房公积金贷款额度等政策。多渠道增加保障性住房有效供给，对符合条件且有未成年子女的家庭，可根据其未成年子女数量，在户型选择方面给予适当照顾。加快发展住房租赁市场，因地制宜逐步使租购住房群体享有同等公共服务权利。
Employment policies are being adjusted to support women, especially those returning to work after having a baby. Employers will be encouraged to provide special labor protections for female workers and promote family-friendly workplaces through flexible hours and offering the option of working from home. Companies are also urged to offer childcare during summer and winter holidays and organize activities to help employees with family responsibilities.此外，完善促进妇女就业政策，加强对女性劳动者特别是生育再就业女性的职业技能培训。督促用人单位依法依规落实对女职工特别是孕产期、哺乳期女职工的特殊劳动保护。鼓励用人单位结合实际采取弹性上下班、居家办公等方式，营造家庭友好型工作环境。鼓励有条件的用人单位配建母婴设施、提供福利性托育服务、组织开展寒暑假期和课后儿童托管活动，积极帮助职工分担育儿压力。
The government wants to see a shift in social norms around marriage and childbirth. It would like a move away from extravagant weddings and betrothal gifts, promoting simpler, meaningful ceremonies instead.
Writing by Denise Jia
![]()
Twitter｜Caixin Global
LinkedIn｜Caixin Global
Facebook｜Caixin Media
![]()
点击“阅读原文”，去主站看看吧
