Taiwan Officials Plan Major Low Birthrate Policy Announcements

Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh noted that policies allowing mainland enterprises to invest in Taiwan were intended to facilitate families bringing adult children for care. Education Minister Cheng Ying is expected to address dormitory management, noting that not all universities enforce curfews. National Development Council official Yeh Chun-hsien indicated that the presidential and executive offices are preparing major announcements regarding state-supported childcare. The proposed measures may cover children from ages 0 to 6 and potentially up to 18. Specific policy directions mentioned include expanding male parental leave benefits. The announcement is expected to be coordinated by the next presidential administration's executive team. The proposed policies aim to support children from ages 0 to 18 through a 'state-supported upbringing' framework. National Development Council Chairperson Yeh Chun-hsien stated that the government and executive branch will soon make a major announcement regarding the low birthrate crisis. Proposed policies may include the state raising children aged 0 to 6. The government is also considering extending these measures to older age groups. Current strategies under the Low Birthrate Countermeasures Plan 2.0 focus on child-rearing, education, housing, and workplace environments. The Executive Yuan is reportedly prioritizing housing and workplace reforms alongside education and childcare to combat the demographic crisis.