Post by : Meena Ariff

The passing of Peng Peiyun, former head of China’s Family Planning Commission and a key figure behind the one-child policy, has ignited a wave of criticism rather than praise on social media platforms in China. Peng, who died in Beijing just before turning 96, was officially lauded by state media for her leadership on issues related to women and children during her tenure from 1988 to 1998. However, public reaction online has been far less forgiving.

China’s one-child policy, enforced nationwide from 1980 to 2015, was a strict measure aimed at curbing rapid population growth. Local officials were known to compel women to undergo forced abortions and sterilizations, causing widespread human rights concerns. Social media users have openly condemned the policy’s harsh legacy, with some posting emotional messages reflecting on the millions of children who were never born or were lost to the policy.

Many highlighted the profound demographic consequences China now faces. After decades of population control, China’s total population declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, falling to 1.39 billion. This marks a historic shift, with China’s population now smaller than India’s, which overtook China in 2023. Experts warn this downward trend will intensify, potentially impacting the country’s workforce and economic growth.

During her leadership, Peng focused the family planning efforts heavily on rural areas, where large families were traditionally valued both for labor and old-age support. The preference for sons led to gender imbalances through selective abortions and neglect of infant girls. Many commentators lament that the children lost to the policy would now be in their prime years, contributing to society and the economy.

In recent years, Peng herself publicly shifted her stance, advocating for relaxation of birth restrictions. Today, the Chinese government has reversed course, introducing incentives like childcare subsidies, extended maternity leave, and tax benefits to encourage families to have more children.

The demographic crisis has created mounting concerns about the economic strain of a shrinking and aging population. With fewer workers to support retirees and rising healthcare and pension costs, local governments already struggling with debt face increasing fiscal pressures. China’s future economic stability may hinge on how successfully it can adapt to these deep demographic changes.

#Global News #Asia News