BEIJING, 5 March 2026 – China has pledged to build a “childbirth-friendly society” over the next five years while refining its social security system, as Beijing confronts a worsening demographic crisis marked by declining birth rates and rapid population ageing.
The policy direction was outlined in an official government work report presented during China’s annual parliamentary meetings, where leaders highlighted the need to address issues surrounding employment, education, healthcare, income and childcare in order to encourage more families to have children.
Population Decline Becomes Strategic Concern
China’s population has been shrinking since 2022, and official data shows the country recorded its fourth consecutive annual population decline in 2025, with births falling to record lows.
The demographic shift is creating long-term challenges for the world’s second-largest economy, including a shrinking workforce, rising pension costs and slower consumption growth. Policymakers fear that population ageing could undermine economic momentum and increase fiscal pressure over the coming decades.
Strengthening Social Security and Family Support
To address these challenges, the government plans to improve income distribution, refine social security programs and expand population-related services, while encouraging a more supportive environment for families with children.
Authorities also said they would promote “positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing”, expand housing support for families with children and improve healthcare services for women, particularly during early pregnancy and reproductive health stages.
Additional measures will include improving the prevention and treatment of birth defects and expanding access to education and childcare services.
Preparing for a Rapidly Ageing Society
Alongside efforts to boost births, China is also strengthening policies aimed at supporting its rapidly growing elderly population.
By 2035, the number of Chinese citizens aged 60 and above could reach about 400 million, roughly equivalent to the combined populations of the United States and Italy.
To prepare for this demographic shift, Beijing plans to expand elderly care services, particularly in rural areas, and promote the development of the so-called “silver economy,” a sector focused on products and services for older citizens.
China has also begun gradually raising retirement ages, extending working years for men and women in an effort to offset labour shortages and relieve pressure on pension systems.
Balancing Demographics and Economic Growth
The demographic reforms are part of a broader strategy to stabilise long-term economic growth. With fewer young workers entering the labour force and more retirees drawing pensions, China’s leadership is seeking ways to boost domestic demand, strengthen social welfare systems and maintain economic productivity.
For policymakers, reversing the downward trend in births while preparing for an ageing population will likely remain one of the most critical structural challenges facing China’s economy in the coming decades.
