EASIER MARRIAGES, TOUGHER DIVORCES: CHINA’S NEW STRATEGY TO TACKLE SHRINKING POPULATION

Mon 26 August 2024:

As China grapples with a demographic crisis marked by declining marriage and birth rates, the government is introducing measures to simplify marriage while making divorce more challenging. The Ministry of Civil Affairs has proposed changes to the Regulation on Marriage Registration, which are currently open for public feedback until September 11.

Streamlining Marriage and Introducing a Divorce Cooling-Off Period

The proposed amendments would allow couples to marry using just their ID cards, eliminating the need for household registration (hukou) documents. This change aims to accommodate the growing number of citizens living away from their registered locations, making it easier for them to tie the knot.

On the other hand, the draft introduces a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce applications submitted at registry offices. During this time, either party can withdraw the application, a move intended to reduce impulsive divorces. However, this provision has sparked considerable debate online, with critics arguing it could trap individuals in unhappy marriages and infringe on personal freedom.

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Public Reaction and Government’s Clarification

The proposed changes have generated widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with over 650 million views on Weibo. Some users have expressed frustration, questioning why divorces aren’t outright banned, while others have suggested implementing a cooling-off period before marriage to prevent “tragedies.”

In response to the backlash, a ministry spokesperson clarified that the cooling-off period is not intended to prevent divorces but to encourage thoughtful decision-making. The spokesperson assured that individuals can still pursue divorce or legal action if they feel threatened by their partner.

Youth Reluctance and Broader Societal Shifts

Despite government incentives to boost birth rates, such as affordable housing and tax cuts, many young Chinese are increasingly reluctant to marry. High living costs, job market challenges, and work pressures are significant deterrents. Additionally, more educated and financially independent women are choosing to delay or forgo marriage altogether.

This trend reflects a broader societal shift, with younger generations prioritizing personal freedom and re-evaluating traditional institutions. The first half of 2024 saw only 3.43 million marriages registered in China, a 12% decrease from the previous year and the lowest in a decade. The country’s birth rate also hit a record low in 2023, with just 9.02 million births, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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