China Considers Lowering Marriage Age to 18 to Combat Declining Birthrate

A move to boost fertility as China faces demographic challenges and looks to "unleash reproductive potential."

Hong Kong - In a bid to address the nation's declining population and encourage higher birth rates, a Chinese political advisor is advocating for a significant policy shift: lowering the legal marriage age to 18. The proposal, reported by the state-backed newspaper, Global Times, aims to "unleash reproductive potential" within the country.

Chen Songxi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is the driving force behind the recommendation. He intends to submit a formal proposal that encompasses not only lowering the marriage age but also completely relaxing existing restrictions on childbirth. Furthermore, he envisions the implementation of an "incentive system" designed to promote both marriage and having children.

These proposals are particularly timely, coinciding with China's upcoming annual parliamentary meeting. Officials are expected to unveil new measures aimed at counteracting the demographic challenges posed by the declining population, making Chen's recommendations even more relevant.