What is China doing to address declining marriage and birth rates?

China is implementing financial incentives to boost declining marriage and birth rates amid population concerns. Local authorities in Luliang, Shanxi Province are offering cash rewards of 1500 yuan to newlywed couples, with additional subsidies for each registered child born. These measures directly respond to the country's alarming 20% drop in marriages during 2024 and sustained population decrease. The government is particularly concerned about the shrinking population and is actively encouraging young people to marry and have children despite rising economic pressures and high costs associated with childcare and education.