Key Highlights
- The legislation, comprising eight chapters and 76 articles, would establish a national legal framework for childcare institutions and caregivers, with a particular focus on children under the age of three. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADA ‘fertility-friendly’ pushOfficial state media said that the bill is a cornerstone of China’s efforts to create a more fertility-friendly society, reflecting the broader concern over a demographic downturn that could slow economic growth.
- According to reports, the draft aims to standardise services, improve quality and reduce the cost of early childcare, all seen as obstacles that deter couples from expanding their families. More from World China Vanke avoids immediate default as bondholders extend grace period Spain: Jolt to Sanchez’s 2027 ambition, his party loses first electoral test after sex scandal“The aim is to provide solid legal protection for the youngest and most vulnerable children,” said one official commentary on the draft. The legislation also tackles long-standing complaints about the childcare sector, including uneven quality, staff shortages and weak oversight, which have frustrated parents and limited access to reliable care. Also read | China bets on an unusual demographic fix, raises tax on condoms to spark baby boomExperts say law is a start, not a solutionDemographers and policy analysts have welcomed the initiative but warned that lawmaking is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. He Yafu, an independent demographer based in Guangdong, told the SCMP that high childcare costs and limited availability remain a major worry for dual-income families, and expanding access to affordable, inclusive childcare services could help ease this anxiety and boost fertility intentions.”Quick ReadsView AllChina Vanke avoids immediate default as bondholders extend grace periodSpain: Jolt to Sanchez’s 2027 ambition, his party loses first electoral test after sex scandalHowever, he cautioned that simply passing a law isn’t enough.
- He argued that additional incentives—such as cash subsidies, tax breaks and extended parental leave—are also essential if China really wants to reverse its falling birth rate. China’s population has now declined for several consecutive years, leading authorities to experiment with a mix of policies aimed at encouraging births, from childcare support and tax incentives to subsidies for fertility treatments.
- Yet experts say that without substantial relief for everyday costs associated with raising children, many couples will remain reluctant to have more. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADFollow Firstpost on Google.
- Get insightful explainers, sharp opinions, and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to World News.
