Chinese projects to build 'new-era' marriage and child-bearing culture to counter population decline

China's past one-child policy is the root of many of its current demographic challenges.  (Reuters: Tingshu Wang, File)

China will launch pilot projects in more than 20 cities to create a "new-era" marriage and child-bearing culture to foster a friendly child-bearing environment, the latest move by authorities to boost the country's falling birth rate. 

China's Family Planning Association, a national body that implements the government's population and fertility measures, will launch the projects to encourage women to marry and have children, the state-backed Global Times reported on Monday.