A demographic dilemma looms in the heart of the Asian giant: China, once famous for its one-child policy, is now faced with a disturbing reality. Which? A demographic decline (as part of a broader decline in world population) which threatens its economic and social future. This situation has pushed the Chinese government to consider extreme measures, including forced procreation and industrialization of births. These policies, which seem straight out of a dystopian novel, raise profound questions about the nature of state control and the ethics of human reproduction.
The demographic context
China, with a population exceeding 70 billion, has always had a complex history with its demographic policies. From the one-child policy, introduced in the XNUMXs to control population growth, to the recent shift to the three-child policy, the Chinese government has always played an active role in regulating births. Last year the population of the country decreased by 850.000 units, the first decline since 1961, the final year of the Great Famine. For this reason, the recent decline in the population, reported for the first time in 2021, has caused concern at a national level and more than a reflection on possible draconian measures.
Considerations on China's new demographic policies have not gone unnoticed at an international level. Gordon G. Chang, an American writer and expert known for his critical positions towards China, author of “The Coming Collapse of China” and “China Is Going to War”, expressed significant concerns. While Chang is not known to be pro-China, his analyzes offer a perspective worthy of attention. Chang highlights how China's extreme demographic policies could have repercussions not only domestically, but also globally.
Forced procreation: an extreme option
This month, the Chinese government launched a nationwide survey of 500.000 urban and rural households to learn more about demographic trends. The survey, which took place immediately after the “once-in-a-decade” 2020 Chinese census, was, in the words of Reuters, “unexpected". The population survey came just days after China's leadership sought to address births. Xi Jinping, in a speech published by the official Xinhua News Agency on October 30, he told the women to start a “new family trend”.
For Chang, as mentioned, one of the measures that the Chinese government is considering is that of forced procreation, a concept that recalls literary dystopias. This policy could force couples to have a certain number of children, violating individual rights and personal freedom. Forced procreation raises profound ethical questions, including the right to choose and bodily autonomy. The idea goes hand in hand with another, that of "industrialising" procreation by transforming birth into a process managed and controlled by the state. The goal could also be achieved through the use of advanced technologies for the gestation and birth of children.
Ethical and moral implications
Policies of forced procreation and industrialized births raise serious questions about human rights. Freedom of choice regarding procreation is a fundamental right, and state intervention in these personal decisions represents a violation of this right. These policies could also lead to discrimination based on gender, ethnicity and social status. The psychological repercussions of these policies could be devastating. The pressure of having to fulfill state obligations regarding procreation could cause stress and anxiety in people: furthermore, industrialized birth could alter the natural bond between parents and children, negatively influencing children's emotional and social development.
“Diffuse and pushed” procreation: considerations
China's declining population presents significant economic challenges, including a shrinking workforce and an increasing number of elderly people. These challenges require innovative solutions, but it is crucial that these solutions respect human rights and ethics. The one-child policy itself has already shown the negative effects of excessive population control, including gender imbalances and social problems. It is important for China to consider these past lessons when formulating its new population policies.
China stands at a demographic crossroads, with choices that could have profound and lasting impacts on its society and beyond. It is essential that these decisions are made with consideration for ethics, human rights and social impact.
