China's Birthrate Battle: From One-Child Policy to Incentive Schemes

A decade after ending China's one-child policy, the country faces a declining birthrate, despite numerous government incentives like cash subsidies and condom taxes. China's population shrinks for the fourth year, highlighting economic and social pressures on families to have more children in a competitive society.

China's attempts to encourage larger families face challenges as birthrates continue to decline, despite various government initiatives. Ten years after ending its controversial one-child policy, Chinese authorities are struggling to boost births with measures ranging from cash incentives to condom taxes.

Recent statistics reveal China's population dropped for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 1.404 billion in 2025—3 million fewer than the previous year. The country registered only 7.92 million new births in 2025, marking a 17% decrease and demonstrating that previous slight upticks were temporary.

Economic downturns and competitive societal pressures deter families from expanding, with the current birthrate at a record low. Recognizing these hurdles, the government has introduced various policy changes, including cash bonuses and a revised child limit, but has seen limited success. As China's fertility rate hovers around 1, officials aim to reverse the trend to stabilize the shrinking population.