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China announced plans on Thursday to develop a “childbirth-friendly society” over the next five years, aiming to tackle issues related to employment, education, healthcare, health, and income, according to an official government report. Authorities intend to enhance population services and proactively address aging, including promoting full and high-quality employment, refining income distribution, and improving the social security system. They also plan to foster positive attitudes towards marriage and having children and provide increased housing support to families with children.
In January, official data revealed that China’s population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with the birth rate hitting an all-time low. Experts have warned this trend could continue downward. Population planning remains a critical part of China’s economic development strategy, with estimates suggesting that this year the government will spend roughly 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) to encourage higher birth rates. Key investments include a nationwide child subsidy introduced last year and promises that women will face no out-of-pocket expenses during pregnancy in 2026, with all medical treatments, including IVF, fully covered under the country’s medical insurance.
The government will maintain and expand childcare subsidy programs and pilot projects for subsidized childcare services, although specific details remain scarce. Services aimed at women in early pregnancy stages and reproductive health will also be improved, alongside efforts to prevent and treat birth defects. Policies regarding free preschool education and increasing the availability of senior secondary school places will be refined, with a mandate that education spending exceeds 4% of GDP.
Developing the “silver economy” is another focus, as China’s population has been shrinking since 2022 and is aging rapidly. The new policies will promote high-quality growth for the senior demographic, particularly targeting those aged 60 and above, with expanded elderly care services, especially in rural areas. Measures will also include adjustments to pension schemes, wellness programs, and caregiving support. By 2035, the population of Chinese seniors over 60 is projected to reach 400 million—about the combined population of the U.S. and Italy—posing significant challenges for workforce participation and pension systems. The retirement age has already been raised, with men working until 63 (up from 60) and women until 58 (up from 55).
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