Two-child policy

Chinese authorities have decided to grant couples across the country the right to have up to three children now, Xinhua reported on Monday.

According to the agency, the decision was made at a meeting of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party. It is not clear when the measure will take effect.

The number of births in China fell last year even though the world’s most populous country has relaxed its one-child policy to allow all couples to have two children.

China officially ended its one child policy on Dec. 27 with the signing into law of a bill allowing all married couples to have a second child as it attempts to cope with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

China announced the end of its controversial one-child policy on Thursday. Its strict and brutal enforcement left the country with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

All couples now will be allowed to have two children, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a communique issued by the ruling Communist Party.