Chinese lawmakers discuss relaxing one-child policy
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E-mail CNTV, December 25, 2013
China's top lawmakers are meeting for second day in Beijing. This week, the NPC Standing Committee is considering amendments to implement recently decided reforms. This morning's panel discussions focused on relaxing the country's long-standing One Child Policy.
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China's long-standing One Child policy is about to give more young couples more choice. If at least one of the couple is an only child, they can have a second child. |
China's long-standing One Child policy is about to give more young couples more choice. If at least one of the couple is an only child, they can have a second child.
Though the change is already widely known, lawmakers have to approve it before it can be carried out.
On Tuesday, legislators scrutinized the wording of the policy.
"The draft has not accurately pointed out the real reason that China should loosen its family planning policy. It quotes from top leaders' speeches, saying adjustment of the current family planning policies are required by China's development and will help China increase competitiveness in the world. But the fundamental reason should be the people's desire. People need the adjustment and moreover, China's economic development can afford it. I believe this is the most important reason and should be added into the draft." Wu Ritu, member of NPC Standing Committee, said.
There are also worries about a sudden baby boom following implementation.
"Only 150 million young people are eligible to have a second child. We project an annual population increase of 1.6 million on average, but it may not happen. If they decide to have a second child, there may be a baby boom instead of regular growth. And this baby boom will put pressure on the social services system, including education and health care. I think it should be taken into consideration." Yan Yixin, member of NPC Standing Committee, said.
The One Child Policy is key to the country's family planning policies. It has played an important role in keeping population numbers in check since the 1960s, but it has also created a demographic imbalance. That's what the proposed easing aims to address.
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