Chinese experts: ‘Lower age to 18 to release reproductive potential’

Recently, Chen Songxi, a member of the National Committee for the National Political Communion Conference, said he intended to submit a proposal of completely loosening the restrictions in this country and established. “System encourages” marriage and childbirth.

Mr. Chen’s opinion was given ahead of China’s annual National Assembly session, where officials plan to publish measures to solve the country’s population problem.

The legal marriage age in China is currently 22 for men and 20 for women, in the highest in the world. In most developed countries, the legitimate marriage age is 18. According to Mr. Chen, China’s legal marriage age should be lowered to 18 “to increase the reproductive population and release reproductive potential. “. He thinks this is consistent with international standards.

The Chinese population fell in the third consecutive year by 2024, when the number of marriages decreased by 20%, the maximum reduction was recorded, despite the government’s efforts. The main reason is the one -child policy applied from 1980 to 2015. Since 2021, couples are allowed to have up to three children. Mr. Chen said that China should eliminate the limitations of the number of children in order to meet “urgent needs for population development in the new era”.

Mr. Chen’s opinion caused exciting debate in China. Many people are concerned about getting married soon affecting the learning opportunities, occupations and financial ability of young people. Some other opinions are worried at the age of 18, young people have not yet reached psychological maturity, are studying, not ready for marriage and childbirth.

In fact, more and more people choose not to have children, due to the cost of raising children or not wanting to get married because they have to pause their career.

The government has tried to take measures to encourage birth, such as prolonging maternity leave, providing support, tax reduction and housing benefits. However, according to experts, the cost of raising children in China is extremely expensive, much higher than the average income per capita.

The average cost to feed a child to 18 years old is estimated at 485,000 yuan (67,000 USD) in 2019, nearly 7 times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of the country, much higher Compared to other places, including the US and Japan, according to the Yuwa Population Research Institute based in Beijing.