A political adviser from China has suggested reducing the legal marriage age to 18 in order to enhance fertility rates amid a declining population and “unlock reproductive potential,” according to a state-run newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Chen Songxi, who is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), mentioned to the Global Times that he intends to propose a complete relaxation of childbirth restrictions in China and the creation of an “incentive system” for marriage and having children.
Chen’s remarks were made in advance of China’s upcoming annual parliamentary session next week, where officials are anticipated to introduce measures addressing the country’s declining population.
Currently, the legal marriage age in China is set at 22 for men and 20 for women, which ranks among the highest globally, especially when compared to many developed nations where the legal age is 18.
According to Chen, lowering China’s legal marriage age to 18 would “enhance the fertility foundation and unleash reproductive potential.”
He emphasized that this change would align with international standards, Chen stated.
China’s population has declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, with a dramatic 20% drop in marriages, marking the largest decrease on record, despite efforts by the government to encourage young couples to marry and have children.
The demographic decline in China largely stems from the one-child policy that was enforced between 1980 and 2015. Since 2021, couples have been permitted to have up to three children.
Chen argued that China should eliminate limitations on the number of children a family can have to address the “urgent needs of population development in the new era.”
However, an increasing number of individuals are choosing not to have children, deterred by the high costs of childcare or a reluctance to marry or interrupt their careers.
Authorities have attempted to implement incentives and measures to promote childbirth, which include extending maternity leave, offering financial and tax benefits for having children, and providing housing subsidies.
Read more: France Trial Begin for Suspected IS Group Militants Accused of Kidnapping Journalists in Syria
Yet, according to a leading Chinese think tank last year, China remains one of the most expensive countries to raise a child in relation to its GDP per capita, highlighting the time and opportunity costs associated with childbirth for women.
The CPPCC, which is mainly a ceremonial advisory body, convenes alongside the parliament. This body consists of business leaders, artists, monks, non-communists, and other societal representatives, yet it does not possess legislative authority.
