China has recorded a decline in marriage registrations in the first nine months of 2024, according to data released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. A total of 4.747 million couples registered their marriages nationwide, down 943,000 from the previous year.
The ministry released the latest figures on Friday. They show a dramatic contrast to 2023, when 5.690 million marriage registrations were recorded during the same period, indicating a prior increase from 2022. The divorce rate also declined slightly, with 1.967 million divorces recorded in the first three quarters of 2024, 6,000 fewer than last year.
Marriage and childbearing issues are becoming increasingly heartwarming topics among young Chinese. Many are choosing to remain single or delay marriage due to economic uncertainty and rising living costs. The tendency has hampered government efforts to reverse demographic trends.
Chinese authorities have introduced a bill to simplify the marriage registration process while tightening divorce procedures. Apart, the government has launched various projects and initiatives to promote a “new-era” marriage and childbearing culture, especially in large urban areas.
President Xi Jinping emphasised the importance of women in this context, pushing for the creation of a “new trend of family” that will encourage marriage and child-rearing in the current conditions.
