Taipei: The government has launched a package of measures aimed at boosting births, supporting families, and addressing Taiwan's demographic challenges, the Cabinet said Friday, as projections showed the population could nearly halve by 2075.
According to Focus Taiwan, the latest population projections released Friday by the National Development Council (NDC) indicate that Taiwan's population is projected to fall 48 percent from 2026 levels to 12.15 million by 2075 due to a declining birth rate and a rapidly aging population. The number of newborns in Taiwan has decreased for the 10th consecutive year, reaching a record low of 107,812 in 2025, with expectations that the figure may decline further to below 100,000 this year.
Commenting on these projections, Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee informed reporters that the Cabinet has introduced a package of population policies centered on supporting marriage, childbearing, and child-rearing. This follows a high-level national security meeting convened by President Lai Ching-te in May. The government's approach will shift from one-time subsidies to a more comprehensive support system where the government, families, and society share the responsibility for raising children.
Under the new plan, the government will provide a monthly NT$5,000 (US$158) child growth subsidy for every child from birth until age 18. Funding for the program has been included in next year's central government budget, and eligible families are expected to start receiving payments next year. To further support disadvantaged households, the government will create special accounts and match deposits made by low-income parents, up to NT$15,000 per year.
To facilitate young people starting families and raising children, the Cabinet is also proposing amendments to expand parental leave benefits. Proposed changes include each parent being entitled to an additional three months of childcare leave on top of the current six months, while marriage leave would be extended to two weeks. Maternity leave would increase from eight weeks to 12 weeks, and paid leave for prenatal checkups and paternity leave would both double from one week to two weeks.
Lee announced that the Cabinet has established a task force, led by Premier Cho Jung-tai, to oversee the implementation of these measures. The government will also introduce policies addressing population aging, talent development, and international talent recruitment as part of a broader population strategy covering all age groups.