Increasing popularity of prenuptial agreements in China

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24 NIV

The Beijing published magazine The World of Chinese recently wrote about a 27 year old Chinese woman called Mei who was about to be married. 

TWOC writes - “But it wasn’t the sparkle of a diamond ring or the fragrance of roses Mei sought to mark this pivotal moment with her future husband; instead, she yearned for something more substantial—a prenuptial agreement to safeguard her rights.” 

Prenuptial Agreements have been legal in China since 2003 when the Marriage Law of the People’s Republic of China was amended.  Generally, agreements are upheld by the courts providing they have been properly drawn up.
“In traditional Chinese ideas of marriage, women are often placed in a disadvantaged position,” Mei, tells TWOC. She explains the disproportionate burden of housework, childbirth, and childcare shouldered by married women. “I’m also traversing a vast distance from my roots in Wuhan, Hubei province, to Beijing for marriage. Seeking some semblance of material assurance isn’t just a whim; it’s foundational,” she says, explaining her motivation for seeking contractual guarantees for her assets, such as property, before tying the knot.

Mei recalls her husband’s initial skepticism, even hurt, at the proposition. He interpreted a prenuptial agreement as a shadow of doubt cast over his intentions and only gave in when Mei insisted she wouldn’t get married without one. “He talked about a future filled with kindness and care, promises of home ownership shares and financial support. But to me, those were just ephemeral words, lacking the solidity of action,” Mei says.

Prenuptial Agreements in China have grown in popularity.  A recent survey of 2,396 unmarried people published by NetEase’s Data Blog column in November last year revealed over 50 percent intended to sign one. On social media platforms, thousands of users have shared their experiences with the agreements, along with tips on how to write them, and even template agreements for couples to download.

TWOC also sought the opinion of a lawyer, Eric Wu.  He didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement with his wife. “Having seen so many divorce cases, I am even more convinced of the importance of not rushing into marriage and the commitment to never divorce,” he says. Besides, Wu believes prenuptial agreements can only address some material issues; they do nothing to guard against the emotional pain of a broken heart. “There is no absolute bulletproof vest [to protect people] in marriage. The only way forward is for a couple to show mutual understanding and sincerity,” he says.
Our Christians readers will find common ground with Eric Wu.

Marriage and divorce

To boost birth rates, since May 2021, authorities have offered incentives for couples to have bigger families when China introduced its three-child policy. The country officially ended its one-child policy in January 2016.

Demographers attributed China’s decline in marriage rates to the high costs associated with having a family, the country’s gender imbalance and changing attitudes among young people towards settling down.

Data from China’s 2020 and 2010 censuses showed that young Chinese have been getting married later in life.

The average age at first marriage in 2010 was 25.75 years old for men and 24 for women. In 2020, that rose to 29.38 years old for men and 27.95 for women.

The official data also showed that 2.59 million couples registered for uncontested divorces in 2023, up from 2.1 million the year before.

Prayer points

Pray that young people in China will see marriage as “becoming one flesh”.

Pray that marriage will gain respect as life time companionship based on true love and not underpinned by a legal prenuptial agreement.

Pray that young Christians who marry in China would be an example of the Bible’s template for marriage – emphasizing faithfulness, selflessness and commitment for life.