China's One-Child Policy: Was it Necessary? New Doubts Emerge Amidst Record Low Birth Rates

• China's birth rate hit record lows, and its population has fallen for four consecutive years, sparking debate over the necessity of the past one-child policy.
• The one-child policy, implemented in 1980 and lasting 35 years, was a severe population control measure involving forced abortions, sterilizations, and gender-selective practices.
• Critics argue the policy 'demographically shot China in the foot,' creating a gender imbalance and an aging population with insufficient working-age individuals.
• Despite easing the policy in 2016 (two children) and 2021 (three children), reversing the ingrained mentality of having fewer children has proven challenging.
• The 'little emperors' generation now faces immense pressure as only children supporting multiple elderly relatives, leading to potential financial and mental health burdens.

Why It Matters: China's record low birth rates and aging population raise questions about the long-term impact and necessity of its former one-child policy.