Almost four years ago, Chinese leaders announced an end to one of the world's most radical social experiments - the one-child policy.
Introduced in 1979, it aimed to slow China's rapidly growing post-war population.
But the one-child limit also had unexpected consequences. A cultural preference for sons meant more boys were born than girls, and the country is now headed for an ageing crisis.
But lifting the limit failed to spark a baby boom. Today, 17 per cent of people are over retirement age. By 2050, that will more than double - half a billion people putting a big strain on already struggling services.
China correspondent Bill Birtles has this special report from Beijing.
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