China unveils $500 annual child subsidy to help buoy birth rate

Modest payments for children under 3 may signal shift to direct handouts

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Children play inside a shopping complex in Shanghai in June 2021. The government says it aims to reduce the cost of having kids. © Reuters

CK TAN

TOKYO -- China on Monday announced a nationwide annual subsidy for young children, as the government strives to address worrying demographic trends.

Beijing said the 3,600 yuan ($500) handouts are backdated to Jan. 1 of this year. All children under the age of 3 will be eligible, state media outlet Xinhua reported.

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