Way forward for China's Population Policy: Lessons from Four East-Asian Countries/Regions

China's population policy is now at a crossroad. Singapore, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, which are quite similar to China in terms of cultural traditions and policy trajectory, all choose pro-natal policies, yet the results were not satisfactory. The procedures of their policy transition can provide reference for China's policy options.

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the motivation, process and features of policy change in these countries/regions, explains affecting factors and compares the characteristics and outcomes of population policy before and after the change. On such a basis and combining the realities of China, this paper analyzes the existing barriers to China's population policy change, and suggests China to initiate population change as soon as possible. It also calls for attention paid to the scientificalness and democracy in policy-making, progressivity in policy adjustment and good coordination between policies.