As China's two sessions convene in Beijing, national legislators and political advisers are sharing their insights on major public concerns and submitting suggestions and proposals for the country's economic and social development.

Chen Wei, a deputy to the National People's Congress and vice-chairman of the Quzhou Municipal Committee of the Jiusan Society, has called for improvements to marriage and maternity leave regulations in China.

Chen emphasized a multi-faceted approach — combining legal protections, cost-sharing mechanisms, and regulatory oversight — to address the challenges of effectively implementing these types of leave.

In recent years, provinces across China have revised relevant regulations to extend marriage and maternity leave and have introduced new types of leave, such as parental leave and care leave for only children, to support their parents.

Despite these advancements, implementation issues persist. Variations in the length and benefits of marriage and maternity leave across provinces have led to public comparisons. Because the financial burden of these leaves often falls on employers, employees may struggle to receive full pay, exacerbating concerns about income security and career development.

Chen suggested establishing nationwide standards for marriage, maternity, paternity, and parental leave, along with guaranteed benefits, to provide a legal foundation for local policy innovation.

She also called for clearer rules on the payment of maternity benefits during extended leave and suggested sharing related costs between the employers of both spouses to prevent hidden discrimination against women in the job market. In addition, she recommended targeted inspections to ensure effective policy implementation.