China has introduced new measures to boost its declining birth rate, offering subsidies of 3,600 yuan ($500) per child under three years old. The move aims to create a “fertility-friendly society” and follows a trend seen in other provinces where childcare subsidies have already been introduced.
The number of births in China fell to 9.54 million in 2024, down from 19.23 million in 2016, when the country lifted its one-child policy. Marriage rates have also hit record lows, with young couples citing high childcare costs and career concerns as reasons for delaying parenthood.
Provincial-level administrations have already begun offering subsidies to encourage families to have more children. For example, Hohhot in Inner Mongolia offers up to 100,000 yuan per child, while Shenyang in Liaoning province provides 500 yuan per month until the child turns three.
Analysts see the new subsidy as a positive step but warn that it may not be enough on its own to address China’s population decline. The sums are deemed too small to have an immediate impact on birth rates or consumption, but could lay the groundwork for future fiscal transfers.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/china-to-offer-500-per-child-in-move-to-boost-birth-rate/a-73441098