Chinese Company Retracts Controversial Marriage Policy Amid Demographic Concerns

A Chinese company required single employees to marry by September 2025 or face termination, but withdrew the policy after it was deemed illegal. This reflects China's broader challenge of promoting marriage to address a declining population, with marriages dropping significantly last year.

A Shandong-based Chinese company retracted a controversial policy demanding single employees marry by a set deadline after authorities highlighted its illegality under labor laws. Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group's policy had mandated unmarried workers to wed and start families by September 2025 or risk losing their jobs, sparking widespread attention.

The proposed rule, circulated on social media, required workers aged 28 to 58, including divorcees, to tie the knot or face contract termination. State media and local netizens criticized the order, which violated China's labor law provisions. Following public backlash, the policy was pulled by the company.

This incident highlights China's broader demographic issues, as the country grapples with declining marriage rates and an aging population. Last year, marriages plummeted by 20%, the sharpest decline on record. In response, Chinese authorities have encouraged educational institutions to promote family values as part of efforts to boost birth rates.