In China’s case, experts warned that policies could eventually face similar challenges seen in South Korea and Japan, where economic incentives and social benefits have not been enough to reverse declining birth and fertility rates.

“What the Chinese government intends to do, the Japanese government has already done,” said Dr. Yi. “China’s recently introduced policies have been largely economic (in) trying to reduce the cost of childcare for families.”

“Japan’s approach has proven costly and ineffective, raising fertility rates only temporarily.”

Dr. Gietel-Basten cited South Korea’s ongoing fertility struggles and warned against adopting a purely “pronatalist” approach, referring to policies designed to increase the birth rate.

“What Happened to Korea’s Fertility Rate? It just keeps going down and down,” he said, noting that despite policy investments, fundamental issues often go unaddressed.

“I think we need to listen to the concerns of young people and bring them into the decision-making system.”

WHAT ELSE CAN CHINA DO?

In an official announcement released on October 19, China’s State Council unveiled a series of family planning policies that included more than a dozen measures, such as maternity insurance, increased childcare and tax deductions for families .

Some local governments have gone even further with specific incentives. In Luliang City, located in western Shanxi Province, financial rewards of up to 1,500 yuan will be given to newlywed couples registering their first marriage if the bride is under 35 years old.

Marriage registrations have also been simplified and even glamourised, with attractive venues and setting in scenic parks, beaches and historical landmarks arranged for the occasion to provide a better experience for the lovebirds.

But despite these efforts and policies, many Chinese women still remain skeptical about changing life priorities.

Ms. Ya Nan, a 29-year-old working and married woman from Hangzhou, became increasingly frustrated with society’s expectations. “For me, marriage is simply marriage and it is for love. It may not have anything to do with having children,” she told CNA.

“If I want to have children, I will. If I don’t, I won’t. I don’t pay attention to politics, I only pay attention to what I really feel,” she said. “Just because I now have the legal right to have children doesn’t mean that’s my purpose.”

“Can’t I wait until I really want a child before bringing one into this world instead of reluctantly doing it because of social pressure?”

Working for a foreign company, she also highlighted shortcomings and inadequacies that many women in her town faced in the system. “Currently, maternity allowances are not even given directly to us (mothers) but go to the company,” Ms Ya said.

“In Zhejiang, we only get one payment: either maternity allowance or six months’ salary – whichever is higher, paid by the company,” she said.

“Compared to our peers in Dalian and Shanghai, we end up getting about 100,000 yuan less.”