China has unveiled its inaugural national action plan aimed at establishing a "strong education nation" by 2035. This initiative is designed to enhance the coordination of educational development, boost innovation efficiencies, and contribute to the creation of a "strong country."

The plan, released by the central committee of the Communist Party and the State Council on Sunday, seeks to develop a "high-quality education system" that ranks among the best globally in terms of accessibility and quality.

This announcement follows recent data indicating that China's population has declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, with deaths surpassing a modest rise in births. Experts warn that this trend is likely to intensify in the years ahead.

Rising childcare and education expenses have significantly influenced many young Chinese individuals' decisions to forgo having children, particularly as they navigate uncertainties regarding their employment prospects amid sluggish economic growth.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, "By 2035, an education power will be built." The plan includes initiatives to gradually broaden the scope of free education, enhance "high-quality" undergraduate enrollment, expand postgraduate education, and increase the number of doctoral candidates.

The strategy also emphasizes fostering "healthy growth and all-round development of students," ensuring that primary and secondary school students engage in at least two hours of physical activity each day to effectively address issues such as myopia and obesity.

Additionally, the plan aims to promote mental health education and establish a national monitoring and early warning system for student mental health.

Efforts will also be made to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, improve the operational conditions of small rural schools, and enhance support systems for children with disabilities and those from agricultural migrant families.

The strategy also seeks to gradually enhance the availability of kindergarten slots and improve access to preschool education.