China has introduced a nationwide childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan (approximately $502) per year for each child up to age three
China has announced a sweeping nationwide childcare subsidy, granting 3,600 yuan (around $500) annually for each child under three. The measure will take effect from January 1, 2025, and will be applied retroactively to children born before that date who are still under three.
The government expects over 20 million families to benefit as part of efforts to reverse the population decline that has persisted for three consecutive years. The subsidy is provided by the central government, marking China’s first centralized childcare support policy.
“This is a major nationwide policy aimed at improving public wellbeing,” CCTV said. “It provides direct cash subsidies to families across the country, helping to reduce the burden of raising children.”
Economists caution that the sums may prove insufficient to significantly raise birth rates in the near term. Zichun Huang, a China economist, noted that without expanded workplace protections, parental leave, and accessible childcare, the impact may be limited.