中 Controversy over the argument for encouraging international marriage"human trafficking"-"solution of low fertility rates"
Oct 21, 2024
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"It's like human trafficking."Criticism of " and the argument that "measures to overcome the fertility crisis" are confronting each other.
According to Hong Kong media South China Morning Post, a professor at a prestigious university in China has proposed encouraging international marriage as a solution for 35 million so-called 'remain' men.
China has a gender imbalance due to its long-lasting 'one child' policy, with 34.9 million more men than women.
Also earlier this year, the China Rural Research Institute of the Central Normal University reported that over the past decade, rural youths have increasingly struggled to find spouses.
The report cited high bride prices and a declining awareness of traditional marriage as the main reasons.
In response, Ding Chang-pa, an associate professor of economics at Xiamen University, recommended promoting international marriage and importing foreign brides.
He suggested that men in China may consider marrying women from countries such as Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
He added that there are about 34.9 million 'surplus' men in rural China, who are facing pressures from marriage, with housing, car and bridal expenses totaling between 500,000 yuan and 600,000 yuan (US$70,000 to 84,000 USD)""Last year, the average disposable income per capita in rural areas across China was just over 20,000 yuan (US$2,800). In order to solve this problem, we need to be able to attract a large number of qualified young women from abroad."
His remarks sparked a backlash online.
For many women, 'importing foreign brides' is nothing short of human trafficking", "Language Barriers May Lead to Family Conflict" raised concerns.
However, many men supported Professor Ding Chang-pa's idea.
They countered that "foreign brides do not demand a house or a car or a high price for a bride.'
Another netizen wrote, "Allowing an international marriage is like allowing American electric car maker Tesla to enter the Chinese market. It sparks competition, improves quality, and lowers prices for consumers. Similarly, international marriages allow foreign men and women to enter and compete in the Chinese marriage market, and rely on their respective abilities to increase the likelihood of marriage and increase the fertility rate," it said.
bellho@sportschosun.com
