StayGate: Taiwan's generous childcare subsidy sparks heated debate in CCP China

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Taiwan's generous childcare subsidy sparks heated debate in CCP China

Direct Translation

Taiwan's generous childcare subsidy sparks heated debate; Chinese people envy It, "Little Pinks" collapse

Reporter : Tang Zheng / Editor : Li Quan / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/05/26/a104100033.html / Image : On 20 May 2026, ROC President Lai Ching-te delivers his second anniversary address at the Presidential Office. (Song Bilong/Epoch Times)

ROC President Lai Ching-te announced a "New Taiwan Population Strategy" in his second anniversary address, initially offering a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 (approximately RMB 1,079) for each child aged 0 to 18. This policy has sparked heated discussion on mainland social media, with many Chinese people expressing envy, believing it to be a truly beneficial measure that supports having more children.

Lai Ching-te delivers his second anniversary address at the Presidential Office on 20 May. When asked about the specific plans for the growth allowance, he stated that the issue of low birth rate is a national security concern and must be addressed at the level of national strategy.

Lai Ching-te stated that the first phase of the "Family Support" program includes 18 measures, one of which is a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for each child aged 0 to 18. In the future, a portion of the growth allowance will be designed as a "Children's Future Account," providing government funding for education, entrepreneurship, and other purposes upon reaching 18.

Lai Ching-te emphasized that this budget is approximately NT$200 billion per year, which Taiwan can afford and will not crowd out other budgets. This year, Taiwan's GDP has exceeded NT$32 trillion. With economic development and increased tax revenue, Taiwan must indeed focus on the future of the nation, most concretely in terms of caring for young people and children.

Lai Ching-te, speaking at an event on the 24th, reiterated the government's focus on childcare policy. He stated that Taiwan's economic growth and increased tax revenue "should be used to care for the people." The government plans to provide a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for children aged 0 to 18 starting next January, totaling NT$60,000 per year and NT$1.08 million over 18 years.

Premier Cho Jung-tai also recently stated that for children aged 0 to 6, the monthly NT$5,000 allowance will be freely used by families for childcare and living expenses. For children aged 7 to 18, the policy will likely involve a "NT$2,500 cash and NT$2,500 deposited into an account" model, aiming to ensure children have their "first pot of gold" by adulthood.

This news has also generated considerable discussion on Weibo in mainland China. Some nationalistic netizens made sarcastic remarks: "Really? Is there a reliable source? There are so many, even Japan and South Korea don't have that many." "Is Taiwan really that rich?" "This makes unification even more difficult." "Did I read that right? 0-18 years old." "Is Taiwan that developed?"

However, many netizens expressed envy and considered it a good policy: "Taken from the people, used for the people." "Practical measures benefiting the people." "That's 1000 RMB per child per month, this policy truly promotes population growth." "This is real support for having more children."

"These benefits." "Generous treatment." "I'm so envious." "Taiwan is rich." "Their GDP grew by nearly 14% in the first quarter." "Seriously, the economy has hit a record high!" "Graduates receive 180,000 yuan in start-up capital." "It's hard to imagine a Taiwanese policy lasting 18 years."

"1,000 yuan a month, continuing until age 18, what an amazing policy!" "Even Japan and South Korea aren't this generous." "Our farmers' retirement pensions are only a little over 100 yuan." "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world."

"If the mainland doesn't take the initiative to solve the low birth rate problem, there will be big problems." "Professor Zhai Dongsheng's ideal of giving money to young people has been realized in Taiwan." "Taiwan seems pretty good." "Wishing Taiwan all the best!"