China announced a commitment to building a "childbirth-friendly society" over the next five years. The initiative aims to tackle concerns regarding employment, education, medical care, health, and income for families. Official reports indicate improvements to population services, with a focus on proactive responses to an aging demographic. Policies will promote "high-quality, full employment" and refine the social security system.
Authorities also plan to foster "positive attitudes towards marriage and childbearing" and enhance housing support for families. These measures come as China's population experienced its fourth consecutive annual decline in 2025, with birth rates hitting record lows. Beijing estimates a potential annual cost of 180 billion yuan (US$25.8 billion) to stimulate births, including subsidies and full reimbursement for medical costs related to pregnancy and fertility treatments like IVF.
China's Five-Year Plan also outlines strategies to "optimize fertility support policies and incentive measures" to reduce the financial burdens of childbirth, raising, and education, with the goal of stabilizing newborn population numbers. Efforts will also focus on improving services for pregnant women, reproductive health, and birth defect prevention.
Furthermore, the plan addresses the "silver economy," targeting individuals aged 60 and older. This includes increasing elderly care services, particularly in rural areas, and refining policies for pensions, wellness, and care. By 2035, China anticipates over 400 million citizens will be aged 60 or older, necessitating adjustments to workforce participation and stretched pension budgets. Retirement ages have already been raised, with men now expected to work until 63 and women until 58.