Facing Demographic Pressure, China Mulls Lowering Legal Marriage Age to Boost Birth Rates

Chen Songxi, a national political advisor has proposed lowering China's legal marriage age to expand the fertility population base
Senior citizens relax at a park on Lindai Road in Fuyang City, East China, on January 16, 2025. The population aged 60 and above is 310.31 million, accounting for 22.0% of the national population, of which 220.23 million are aged 65 and above, accounting for 15.6% of the national population. (Photo by NurPhoto via AFP)

A national advisor has proposed lowering China’s legal marriage age to expand the fertility population base, arguing that such a move could help counter the country’s declining birth rate and aging crisis.

The proposal comes amid heightened discussions on China’s demographic challenges, which have been trending on Chinese social media.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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