New Delhi, March 5 -- China said on Thursday that it would build a "childbirth-friendly society" in the next five years as it pledged to address concerns over employment, education, medical care, health and income, according to an official government report.

Authorities will improve population services and respond proactively to population ageing, including "promoting high-quality, full employment, improving the income distribution system, and refining the social security system."

The announcement comes after China's population fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025, as the birth rate plunged to a record low, official data showed in January, with experts warning of further decline.

China's population has been shrinking since 2022 a...