A Chinese company, Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group, located in the eastern industrial hub of Shandong, has retracted a controversial policy mandating single employees to marry by September 2025. This decision followed intervention by local authorities, who deemed the company’s requirement a violation of China’s labor laws.
The company’s notice, requiring single and divorced employees aged 28-58 to “get married and start a family” by September 30, 2025, recieved widespread attention and criticism across Chinese social media. The mandate, which threatened termination of employment for non-compliance, was subsequently withdrawn after legal intervention.
How the Marriage Mandate Aimed to Address China’s Declining Population
Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group stated that the marriage mandate was aiming to encourage older unmarried employees to focus on “important life decisions” and contribute to addressing China’s declining population. However, this approach was considered illegal and counterproductive.
Marriages in China experienced a record-breaking drop in 2024, further emphasising on the severity of the nation’s demographic challenge.
China’s Aging Population and Demographic Challenges
China, with its 1.4 billion population, faces rapid aging. The country’s birth rate has declined due to the one-child policy and urbanization. In the coming decade, a significant portion of the population will enter retirement, further straining the economy.
The Chinese government has implemented various measures to address the declining population, including urging educational institutions to provide “love education” to promote positive views on marriage and family.
The Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group’s marriage mandate was deemed a violation of China’s labor law and labor contract law. Local authorities intervened, leading to the policy’s withdrawal and emphasizing the importance of legal compliance.
