Chinese Government to Establish Birth Policy Agency Amid Population Decline Concerns

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] The Chinese government is reportedly launching an intergovernmental body to establish and implement birth policies in response to concerns over population decline.

According to foreign media on the 20th, the State Council of China approved the formation of a joint meeting of departments related to birth policies at the request of the National Health Commission (NHC).

The joint meeting, chaired by Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, will include 26 key party and government departments such as the NHC, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Ministry of Finance. It will research and formulate birth policies, coordinate interdepartmental tasks, and oversee the efficient implementation of policies.

Previously, 17 departments including the NHC announced the "Guiding Opinions on Supplementing and Implementing Active Birth Support Measures," a comprehensive birth support plan. It included support measures to encourage having three children, maternal health care services, and home-visit infant protection services. The NHC also stated it would promote discouraging abortions performed without medical necessity.

These measures are interpreted as a response to China's gradually declining population. Last year, China's birth population was 10.62 million, with a natural increase rate (0.034%) at its lowest since 1960. Until last year, China's population was estimated at 1.4126 billion, ranking first in the world, but there are predictions that India will surpass it next year.