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In a bid to reverse its declining birth rate, China has introduced new measures to simplify marriage registration and reduce financial burdens on couples. The initiative, announced by state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday, is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to encourage more marriages and births amid demographic challenges.
Under the new policy, couples will now be able to register their marriages in the city where they live, rather than being required to return to their official place of household registration. This reform aims to accommodate younger generations who live and work away from their hometowns, eliminating the financial and logistical difficulties associated with travel for marriage registration.
“This reform is aimed at addressing the needs of people who live or work away from their registered hometowns, particularly younger generations,” state news agency Xinhua reported.
The move follows successful pilot programs and is now being expanded nationwide.
Tackling Marriage and Birth Rate Decline
China has been grappling with a falling marriage rate and a shrinking population for several years. In 2024, the number of registered marriages declined by nearly 20%, reflecting a growing reluctance among young people to tie the knot. This has been exacerbated by economic concerns, including the high cost of housing and education, which have made family planning a daunting prospect for many couples.
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To further ease financial burdens, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has also pledged to tackle excessive wedding expenses, particularly the high cost of “bride prices” – a traditional payment made by grooms’ families to brides’ families. While long seen as a cultural norm, the rising costs of bride prices have created financial strain, deepening social inequalities and discouraging marriages.
Broader Policy Shifts
In recent years, Beijing has introduced various incentives to encourage marriage and childbirth, including direct financial subsidies, expanded childcare infrastructure, and workplace policies that support young parents. However, challenges remain, as economic uncertainty and shifting social attitudes continue to influence marriage and fertility trends.
China recorded its third consecutive year of population decline in 2024, a stark contrast to decades of rapid growth. Policymakers are now under increasing pressure to address the long-term economic and social implications of an aging population and a shrinking workforce.
By making marriage registration more accessible and reducing financial obstacles, authorities hope to create a more favorable environment for young couples to start families. Whether these efforts will be enough to reverse declining birth rates remains to be seen, but the latest reforms signal a continued push to reshape China’s demographic future.