The controversial policy was introduced nationally in 1979, to slow the population growth rate. However, concerns at China's ageing population led to pressure for change. Couples will now be allowed to have two children.
On this edition of Looking Forward, co-hosts Svetlana Ekimenko and Victor Erofeyev are joined by Shuming Bao, Director of China Data Center, University of Michigan to look at the key factors behind the decision to scrap the one-child policy.