A philosophical approach to family

CPPCC member Chen Xia appeals for greater childcare support and deeper thought in education, Li Yingxue reports.

The government should extend parental leave and share the cost with companies or employers to help stimulate improvement in the country's birthrate through greater support, a policy adviser says.

Chen Xia, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, spoke about the birthrate and other issues she expects to be discussed at the two sessions, the annual meetings of China's top legislature and political advisory body.

"A generation or a nation, if it wants to have a proper replacement of its members, the total fertility rate should be 2.1, but we are less than that," she says, adding that she is concerned with the low birthrate that will lead to an aging population.