Communist Party in China: Every member is forced to have 3 children

An editorial published by Chinese state television has suggested members of the communist party are obliged to have three children for the good of the country, as Beijing seeks to stop falling births.

The editorial, which was first published last month, became viral this week and drew sharp reactions from Chinese internet users. As the reaction wave increased, the original article disappeared from the website.

The published section said that each member of the ruling party, which is around 95 million dealt with, “, should shoulder responsibility and obligation to raise the country's population and act in line with the policy of three children”.

“No party member should use any excuse, objective or personal, not to marry or have children, nor can any excuse be used for having only one or two children”, the statement said.

China is facing a demographic crisis with an aging population and a birth loss. More than 18 per cent of the population is over 60 years old, according to the 2020 census, the Guardian reports, broadcast Klonkosova.tv.

The figures released by the country's National Statistics Bureau in November indicated there were 8.5 births for 1,000 people in 2020, the first time in decades the figure has fallen under 10. In 1978 the figure was more than 18 for 1,000 inhabitants.

One child's policy was officially completed in 2016 and was replaced by two children for most Chinese couples until it was raised again to three. However, Chinese youths continue to say that the high cost of living and the pressure of long hours of work are obstacles to having children.