This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25533339
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
China formally eases one-child policy | |
(35 minutes later) | |
China's top legislature has formally adopted a resolution easing the country's one-child policy, the state news agency Xinhua reports. | China's top legislature has formally adopted a resolution easing the country's one-child policy, the state news agency Xinhua reports. |
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a resolution allowing couples to have two children if either parent is an only child. | The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a resolution allowing couples to have two children if either parent is an only child. |
A proposal to abolish re-education through labour camps was also approved. | A proposal to abolish re-education through labour camps was also approved. |
The changes in policy were announced following a meeting of top Communist Party officials in November. | The changes in policy were announced following a meeting of top Communist Party officials in November. |
The reforms, which came at the end of a six-day meeting of the congress, have already been tested in parts of the country. | |
They needed formal legislative approval to be put into effect. | |
China introduced its one-child policy at the end of the 1970s to curb rapid population growth. | China introduced its one-child policy at the end of the 1970s to curb rapid population growth. |
But correspondents say the policy has become increasingly unpopular and that leaders fear the country's ageing population will both reduce the labour pool and exacerbate elderly care issues. | But correspondents say the policy has become increasingly unpopular and that leaders fear the country's ageing population will both reduce the labour pool and exacerbate elderly care issues. |
By 2050, more than a quarter of the population will be over 65. | By 2050, more than a quarter of the population will be over 65. |
The one-child policy has on the whole been strictly enforced, though some exceptions already exist, including for ethnic minorities. | The one-child policy has on the whole been strictly enforced, though some exceptions already exist, including for ethnic minorities. |