Demographic challenge: China now has 35 million ‘leftover men’

China is facing a major demographic challenge, with nearly 35 million “leftover men” struggling to find partners. This issue gained attention after Ding Changfa, an associate professor at Xiamen University, proposed international marriages as a solution, sparking widespread debate online, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The demographic imbalance is a result of the country’s long-standing one-child policy, which has distorted gender ratios, leaving approximately 34.9 million more men than women, according to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census. A recent study by the Institute for China Rural Studies at Central China Normal University highlighted the difficulties rural men face in finding spouses, with high bride prices and declining traditional marriage values being major obstacles.

Ding suggested encouraging international marriages with partners from countries like Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan, citing the pressures rural men face, such as providing housing, cars, and bride prices ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 yuan (US$70,000–$84,000). He noted that international marriages could help address the disparity, as the trend of marrying foreign women is on the rise.

Some matchmakers on Douyin are already offering services to connect Chinese men with Russian women, capitalizing on Russia’s surplus of women. Meanwhile, finance influencer Jingongzi, who has over 1.8 million followers on Douyin, pointed out that cultural similarities between China and Southeast Asian countries, like Vietnam’s celebration of Lunar New Year, make international marriages more feasible.

As the trend of international marriages gains traction, it reflects a growing effort to address China’s demographic challenges by looking beyond its borders. With a significant surplus of men in rural areas, the social pressures associated with marriage, such as the financial burden of bride prices and expectations for housing and cars, have become increasingly difficult to manage. These factors have contributed to the expanding “leftover men” phenomenon, exacerbating the struggle for rural bachelors.

In response to the proposal, many have raised concerns over the ethical implications of promoting international marriages as a demographic solution. Critics argue that such measures could lead to the commodification of foreign women, with matchmaking practices potentially exploiting economic disparities between countries. Additionally, they worry that these marriages may not solve the deeper societal issues causing the demographic imbalance, such as gender discrimination, regional economic inequalities, and lingering effects of the one-child policy.

Proponents, however, see the suggestion as a practical step toward easing the gender gap and alleviating some of the pressures on China’s rural male population. They contend that expanding the pool of potential spouses through international matchmaking could help balance the gender ratio while fostering cultural exchange.

The rising popularity of international matchmaking on social platforms like Douyin reflects a shifting approach to marriage in China. As more rural men turn to overseas options, the dynamics of traditional relationships are evolving. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities continue to grapple with the broader implications of the country’s demographic shifts, including an aging population and declining birth rates, which present long-term challenges to economic and social stability.

The debate around international marriages and leftover men is just one facet of a larger conversation about how China can navigate its demographic future. While promoting cross-border unions may offer some relief, experts emphasize the need for more comprehensive policies to address the root causes of gender imbalance, support rural communities, and encourage a sustainable increase in birth rates.