In a significant move to address the declining birth rate and its underlying causes, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) is launching a nationwide survey of 30,000 individuals. The survey, which will cover 150 counties and 1,500 communities across the country, seeks to delve deep into the factors influencing people’s attitudes towards childbearing, particularly focusing on the ‘fear surrounding having children.’ This initiative, as reported by the state-backed Global Times, is a crucial step in Beijing’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the country’s population.
China experienced a second consecutive year of population decline in 2023, a worrying trend that has prompted the government to implement various policies encouraging young couples to have children. The survey, spearheaded by the China Population and Development Research Center, aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the reluctance and fear surrounding childbearing. This data will then be used to inform the development of effective fertility support and incentive measures aimed at boosting birth rates.
The last nationwide family and fertility survey conducted in China was in 2021. This latest initiative, coupled with the upcoming nationwide sample survey by the National Bureau of Statistics from October 10th to November 30th to monitor population changes, highlights the seriousness with which China is approaching the demographic challenge.
State media consistently emphasizes the importance of a strong and rejuvenated population for China’s continued success. In September, health officials emphasized the need to promote marriage and childbirth at ‘appropriate ages,’ advocating for shared parenting responsibilities to foster ‘positive perspectives on marriage, childbirth and family’ among young people.
The comprehensive data gathered from this survey will provide invaluable insights into the factors influencing China’s declining birth rates and contribute to the development of effective policies aimed at reversing this trend. The results are expected to be closely watched by policymakers and experts across the globe, as China’s demographic shifts have significant implications for the global economic and geopolitical landscape.