China's Push for a New Culture in Marriage and Childbearing

China's National Health Commission is increasing efforts to encourage marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages, emphasizing shared parenting responsibilities to foster a new culture of marriage and childbearing. This comes as the nation grapples with a declining birth rate, attributed to high childcare costs, societal expectations, and gender discrimination.

China's National Health Commission is ramping up efforts to promote marriage and childbirth at what it deems appropriate ages, according to a recent announcement. The move comes as the country struggles with a declining birth rate and an aging population.

Yu Xuejun, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC), stated that the NHC aims to guide young people towards positive perspectives on marriage, childbirth, and family life. This initiative is seen as an attempt to cultivate a 'new culture of marriage and childbearing,' as reported by the state-backed Global Times.

In China, men and women can legally marry at the ages of 22 and 20, respectively. Beijing is pushing for more women to have children amidst economic pressures and societal expectations. Official data reveals a significant drop in marriages, reaching its lowest level since 2013, highlighting the urgency of the NHC's campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)