HONG KONG (Reuters) – An esteemed Chinese political adviser has proposed decreasing the legal marriage age to 18 in an effort to enhance the chances of fertility amidst a diminishing population and to “unlock reproductive potential,” as stated in a state-endorsed publication on Tuesday.
Chen Songxi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), revealed to the Global Times his intention to present a recommendation advocating for the complete relaxation of childbirth restrictions in China and the establishment of an “incentive system” to promote marriage and childbearing.
Chen’s statements emerge prior to China’s forthcoming annual parliamentary gathering next week, during which officials are anticipated to introduce strategies to counteract the declining population trends in the country.
In China, the current legal marriage age stands at 22 for men and 20 for women, ranking among the highest globally, in contrast to the majority of developed nations where the legal age for marriage is typically set at 18.
Chen argued for the reduction of China’s legal marriage age to 18 “in order to expand the base of the fertility population and tap into reproductive capabilities.” He emphasized the importance of aligning with international standards.
China’s population has witnessed a decrease for the third consecutive year in 2024, with a significant 20% decline in marriages – the most substantial drop on record – despite governmental efforts to encourage young couples to wed and start families.
The demographic decline in China is largely attributed to the enforcement of the one-child policy from 1980 to 2015. Since 2021, couples have been permitted to have up to three children.
Chen advocated for the elimination of limitations on the number of children per family to address the “pressing requirements of population development in the modern era.”
Nevertheless, an increasing number of individuals are opting against having children, deterred by the high expenses associated with childcare or an unwillingness to marry and sacrifice career advancement.
Authorities have implemented various incentives and measures to stimulate procreation, including the extension of maternity leave, financial and tax benefits for parents, and housing subsidies.
However, China is recognized as one of the costliest places globally to raise a child, relative to its GDP per capita, as highlighted by a prominent Chinese think tank last year, outlining the time and opportunity costs for women who opt for motherhood.
The CPPCC, a predominantly ceremonial advisory body, meets concurrently with the parliament, consisting of business leaders, artists, religious figures, non-communists, and other representatives of diverse sectors of society, albeit lacking legislative authority.
(Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Michael Perry)
