Main content

China's birth rate problem

After decades of restrictions, China's leaders want women to have more children

After decades of restrictions, China's leaders want women to have more children. But will a 'three-child' policy prevent a decline in China's population?

Ed Butler speaks to Professor Stein Emil Vollset from the University of Washington School of Medicine about the dramatic population declines expected in many countries including China. China demographics expert Yong Cai explains why the declining birth rate will be difficult to reverse. And author and journalist Mei Fong tells us why the one-child policy of the past will make it even harder for Chinese authorities to promote larger families in the future.

(Photo: A nurse holding a baby at an infant care centre in Yongquan, in Chongqing municipality, in southwest China; Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

18 minutes

Last on

Fri 18 Jun 2021 07:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Fri 18 Jun 2021 07:32GMT

Podcast