Here’s a summary of the key points from the provided text:
* China is increasing taxes, even on items like condoms, due to a struggling housing market and growing public debt. They are looking to collect revenue “wherever possible.”
* Value-added tax makes up a important portion of china’s tax revenue (nearly 40% last year).
* China is trying to boost its low fertility rate. Taxing condoms is seen as a symbolic effort in this direction.
* Implementation of pro-natal policies is hampered by indebted provincial governments. It’s uncertain if they have the resources to support these initiatives.
* Government intervention in personal reproductive choices is causing concern. People may react negatively to what they perceive as overly intrusive policies.
* Reports of local officials inquiring about women’s menstrual cycles and childbearing plans have emerged, raising privacy concerns and damaging the government’s image.
* Henrietta Levin (Center for Strategic and International studies) believes the Communist Party’s tendency to over-control is hindering its own efforts to address the low birth rate.
The image shows children in a classroom in Nanchang, China, and is attributed to Getty Images.
