China aims to reverse the impact of its historical one-child policy by implementing a three-child policy to address declining birth rates and an aging population, but this has not been successful.
Despite employing various strategies, including financial incentives and promoting “family values,” the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by Xi Jinping, now faces a furious revolt from women.
Many cite career commitments and the inadequate cash incentives offered by the government as reasons for their reluctance to have more children, Wall Street Journal reported.
“Having had one child, I think I’ve done my duty,” one woman, Feng Chenchen, told the Journal.
She added that she would only consider having a second child for a substantial amount, such as 300,000 yuan (approximately $41,000).
That is a stark jump from the modest monthly incentives of $80 to $500 offered by the CCP.
The CCP’s attempts to boost birth rates are faltering, revealing the unintended consequences of its policies.
China’s total birth rate has consistently declined, with a significant drop of over 40 percent in the last five years.
The country experienced a net population loss in 2022 for the first time since the Great Famine of 1960-61.
Early 2023 figures, though deleted by the CCP, suggested an even further decline.
The root causes of China’s demographic challenges include low marriage rates, high divorce rates, and a rapidly aging population, mirroring trends seen in the United States.
Factors such as declining fertility, especially among women in urban areas, contribute to the overall demographic decline.
A 2021 survey revealed that over 40 percent of urban Chinese women aged 18 to 26 did not plan to marry, highlighting a significant gender disparity.
While China’s approach to addressing these issues includes problematic messaging and policy mechanisms, the urgency demonstrated by the CCP reveals a recognition of the severity of the demographic challenge.
However, critics believe the lies in the delayed implementation of changes, as demographic shifts require generational shifts and have been initiated too late.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews and @expressusnews
