China, which is facing a demographic crisis, is now seeking to make it easier for its citizens to marry but harder to divorce, as young people increasingly opt to remain single.
The civil affairs ministry, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), has proposed changes to the Regulation on Marriage Registration. As per the ministry, the change is important to “build happy and harmonious families”. It is open for public feedback until September 11. This move comes amid China’s shrinking and ageing population, with officials struggling to reverse declining marriage and birth rates.
What changes can Chinese citizens expect?
The draft amendment recommends several key changes. Firstly, it would allow couples to marry using just their ID cards, rather than requiring their household registration (hukou), which previously limited where they could marry. This change aims to simplify the process, given that many people live away from their registered household locations.
Secondly, the revision introduces a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce applications filed at registry offices. During this period, either party may withdraw their application.
This is intended to “reduce impulsive divorces,” though it has sparked significant debate online.
Criticism for divorce cooling-off period
Critics argue that the cooling-off period could force individuals to remain in unhappy marriages and restrict personal freedom.
On Chinese social media, the proposal has been widely discussed, with over 650 million views on Weibo. Some users have expressed frustration, questioning why divorces are not simply banned. Others have suggested implementing a cooling-off period before marriage rather than after, “to reduce tragedies”.
A ministry spokesperson, however, has clarified that the cooling-off period will not prevent divorce but aims to reduce impulsive decisions. In a conversation with state news agency Xinhua, the spokesperson assured that individuals “can still apply for divorce or file a lawsuit. If an individual feels threatened by the other party, they can seek help through legal channels.”
China and marriage reluctance
Despite the government’s efforts to boost birth rates through incentives like affordable housing and tax cuts, young people are increasingly reluctant to marry due to high living costs, job market challenges, and work pressure. Many women, now more educated and financially independent, are also choosing to delay or forgo marriage.
For some young people, the trend away from marriage represents a shift towards valuing personal freedom and questioning traditional institutions.
In the first six months of 2024, only 3.43 Chinese people registered for marriage — a 12 per cent fall from 2023, and the lowest number in a decade. Furthermore, as per the nation’s National Bureau of Statistics, the birth rate in 2023 plunged to a record low of 9.02 million births.
Source: WION
