China Pledges 'Birth-Friendly Society' Amid Plummeting Birth Rates, Ageing Population

• China aims to build a "childbirth-friendly society" in the next five years to counter a record-low birth rate and shrinking population.
• New policies will address concerns in employment, education, medical care, income, and housing for families with children.
• Beijing plans to spend an estimated 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) to boost births, including fully reimbursing pregnancy and IVF costs by 2026.
• The government will also refine social security, promote positive attitudes towards marriage and childbearing, and expand childcare subsidies.
• To address rapid ageing, China will develop the "silver economy" for those 60+, increase elderly care, and has already raised retirement ages.