Story perspectives

China Q1 Marriages Halve, Government Rolls Out Family Subsidies

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

First-quarter marriage registrations fell to about half of 2017 levels.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs recorded 1.697 million marriages in the quarter, a 6.2% year-on-year decline.
Demographers warned that the record-low birth rate could speed further population decline after the population fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025.
Authorities have introduced family subsidies, childcare support and reduced childbirth-related medical costs to encourage marriage and childbearing.

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Story summary

First-quarter marriage registrations fell to about half of 2017 levels.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs recorded 1.697 million marriages in the quarter, a 6.2% year-on-year decline.
Demographers warned that the record-low birth rate could speed further population decline after the population fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025.
Authorities have introduced family subsidies, childcare support and reduced childbirth-related medical costs to encourage marriage and childbearing.