In the case of China, experts have warned that it could eventually face similar challenges to policies 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 was planning to do, the Japanese government has already done,” Dr Yi said. “China’s newly introduced policies have been largely economic, seeking to reduce the cost of child care for families.”

“Japan’s approach has been expensive and inefficient, increasing fertility rates only temporarily.”

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

“What happened to the fertility rate in Korea? “It just keeps going down, down, down,” he said, noting that despite policy investments, fundamental problems often go unaddressed.

“I think we need to listen to young people’s concerns and include them in the decision-making system.”

WHAT ELSE CAN CHINA DO?

In an official announcement published on October 19, China’s State Council announced a series of family planning policies that include more than a dozen measures such as maternity insurance, expanded child care, and tax breaks for families.

Some local governments have even gone further with targeted incentives. In the city of Luliang in Western Shanxi province, financial rewards of up to 1,500 yuan will be given to newlywed couples who get married for the first time, if the bride is under 35 years old.

In order to provide a better experience for lovebirds, attractive venues and settings in picturesque parks, beaches and historical landmarks have been reserved for this event, while marriage registration has also been simplified and even made ostentatious.

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

Ms. Ya Nan, a 29-year-old working married woman from Hangzhou, became increasingly frustrated with social expectations. “To me, marriage is just marriage and it’s for love. “This may have nothing to do with having children,” he told CNA.

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

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

While working for a foreign company, she also underlined the deficiencies and inadequacies that many women in her city encountered regarding the system. “Currently, maternity benefits are not even given directly to us (mothers), they 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,” he said.

“We receive about 100,000 yuan less compared to our counterparts in Dalian and Shanghai.”