China denies full implementation of 'two-child policy'

BEIJING - The family planning authority on Friday denied it would fully roll out the "two-child policy" in May to allow all couples to have a second child.

"This speculation is without foundation," said National Health and Family Planning Commission spokesperson Song Shuli at a press conference.

The family planning strategy should be maintained as the size of the population puts pressure on resources, the environment, as well as economic and social development, she said.

The one child policy has been relaxed since late 2013, allowing couples to have a second child if at least one parent has no siblings.

The relaxation part aims to address the issues of the strength of the labor force and the aging population.

Authorities are still assessing the implementation of the new birth policy, to prepare changes to the family planning regulation, according to the spokesperson.

"The initial relaxation is not the end, policy reform will continue," Song said.

Local authorities make adjustments to their family planning policies based on their own demographic structure, she added.