A member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference proposed lowering the legal marriage age to 18 and removing restrictions on the number of children to address the country's demographic crisis. The initiative, presented by Chen Songxi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will be discussed at the upcoming 'Two Sessions', the annual meetings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference next week.
Chen argued that this measure aims to increase the fertile population base and leverage the country's reproductive potential, amid concerns about aging population and low birth rates. Although the proposal does not intend to force early marriage but to offer more options, it aligns with international standards on the minimum marriage age.
The number of marriages in China fell to 6.1 million in 2024, the lowest figure since 1980. Besides changing the legal age, Chen suggested a broader reform in population and birth legislation, proposing to rename the current 'Family Planning and Population Law' to 'Population and Birth Boost Law'.
The proposal includes eliminating restrictions on the number of children and promoting incentives such as monthly subsidies and medical support for each child up to a certain age. China aims to raise the birth rate, especially in urban areas, focusing on the period between 2025 and 2035 when the number of women of childbearing age is expected to stabilize between 290 and 310 million.
Authorities plan to implement birth intention surveys during these years and adjust promotion programs for different population groups. The projection of China's aging population is a concern, with 15.6% of the population being over 65 in 2024, and it is expected that by 2031, more than 20% of residents will exceed that age. By 2050, it's anticipated that 29.5% of the population will be 65 years or older, negatively impacting the country's workforce and economy.
