China sees nearly 1 million fewer marriages this year

Specifically, according to the latest data released on November 1, in the first three quarters of the year, 4.747 million couples registered their marriages nationwide. This figure decreased by 943,000 compared to the same period last year. In 2023, there were 5.69 million marriage registrations recorded in the first nine months of the year, up from 2022.

Even more alarming, according to statistics, in the first three quarters of 2024, there were 1.967 million divorces recorded, although it was a slight decrease of 6,000 cases compared to the same period last year. This means that on average, there was 1 divorce for every 3 married couples.

Growing economic uncertainty and rising living costs across the country have forced many young couples to delay marriage, a worrying sign for lawmakers pushing policies to increase population.

China recently revised a draft law that would make it easier for couples to register their marriages, while making it more difficult to file for divorce.

Earlier this year, China reported its second consecutive decline in the national birth rate, prompting the country to launch projects and initiatives in major cities to promote a "new-age" marriage and childbearing culture among young people.

Marriage and childbirth are hot topics among young Chinese people and create many heated discussions as well as trending topics on social media.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)