The one-child policy ended in 2016
Brookings Institution
The analysis states that all Chinese couples were allowed two children from January 1, 2016, marking the end of the one-child policy.
Based on: Brookings Institution
Verdict
False
Verification confidenceHigh
Explanation
No. China's one-child policy is no longer in force. It was replaced by a policy allowing all married couples to have two children from January 1, 2016, followed by a three-child policy in 2021.
A Brookings analysis documents the 2016 transition. China's government portal subsequently reported the 2021 decision allowing three children, and the UK Home Office's June 2025 country report confirms that the corresponding legal amendment took effect on August 20, 2021.
Ending the one-child policy did not initially mean ending all family-planning rules. The 2021 changes also removed social maintenance fees and related penalties for births exceeding the policy. The historical one-child policy should therefore not be presented as China's current national rule.
Key takeaway
China ended its one-child policy in 2016 and adopted a three-child policy in 2021.
Evidence
Contradicts the claim
A three-child policy followed in 2021
State Council of the People's Republic of China
The government portal reported a decision allowing couples to have three children, directly contradicting the claim that a one-child policy remained the national rule.
Based on: State Council of the People's Republic of China / Xinhua
The legal amendment also removed penalties
UK Home Office
The June 2025 report confirms the August 20, 2021 legal amendment and explains that social maintenance fees and related penalties for exceeding birth restrictions were removed.
Based on: UK Home Office
Sources
Brookings Institution
The End of China’s One-Child Policy: Implications
State Council of the People's Republic of China / Xinhua
China releases decision on third-child policy, supporting measures
Jul 20, 2021UK Home Office
Country policy and information note: contravention of the population and family planning law and single and unmarried mothers, China, June 2025 (accessible)
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