The number of divorces in China dropped down more than 70% in the first quarter of this year, after a controversial law forcing ‘cooling-off period’ for couples.

According to the state media, a data was published by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, 296,000 divorces were registered during the first three months of 2021, compared to 1.05 million in the previous quarter and 1.06 million in the same period of the previous year.

China’s divorce rate has been rising steadily, and at the same time declining marriage rate has been linked to the low birth rates driving China’s demographic crisis. In response, the government has promoted traditional family values ​​and marriage and discouraged divorce. The cooling-off period is part of a broad civil code that went into effect on January 1 and covers laws including marriage, adoption, and property ownership.

The announcement of the reflection period sparked anger at the time, especially among women, and prompted suggestions from young men that they were now more likely to avoid marriage altogether.

Spectators said more data was needed to draw more conclusions, noting locations and China’s economic rebound improving livelihoods and relationships.