From the "one family, one child" policy to the "three-child" policy: historical aspects and contemporary challenges for the demographic situation in China

The study analyzes the birth control policy in China from a historical perspective, from 1979 to the present. The relevance of this research is due to the fact that after decades of implementing the "one family, one child" strategy and the subsequent easing of the policy to "two children," and then to "three children," China is now beginning to experience demographic imbalances. These manifest in the evident aging of the population, a reduction in the working-age population in the domestic market, and an increasing gender imbalance. The article also addresses the ethical aspect of state intervention in the private lives of citizens and the consequences of such intervention. The policy aimed at stimulating the reproductive activity of the Chinese population must continually evolve and be supported at all levels of government. The study analyzes statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China for the year 2024. It also takes into account the most recent directions of China's adjusted state policy and the objectives for the current year 2025, as highlighted in the speech by the Premier of the State Council of the PRC at the National People’s Congress session from March 5 to 11, 2025. The scientific novelty is presented through conclusions regarding the current demographic state of China in the context of economic and social challenges within the framework of implementing China's "Three-Child Policy," which has not been previously addressed. A historically systemic approach to studying this issue has been demonstrated. The conclusion is drawn that the trend of decreasing population in China will continue. The age composition of China's population will rapidly transition into a stage of significant aging, and the working-age population will continue to decline. The rapid change in China's population structure has a serious impact on economic and social development, leading to a restructuring of the economic development models of the country. It is concluded that the Chinese leadership will need to develop new economic development models. At the same time, the contradiction between the supply and demand for reproductive and healthcare services will intensify. The conclusion is made regarding the high practical significance of China's experience in addressing low birth rates. Further study of Chinese experience and the development of international cooperation in this area is crucial for finding effective solutions to the demographic challenges of the 21st century worldwide, including in Russia.

birth control, population growth stimulation, fertility rate, ageing population, gender imbalance, economic challenge, social chellenge, global implication, free pre-school education, working age population