What is China's one-child policy?
A young Chinese mother watches her child in front of a sign reading 'birth control is a basic state policy of our country' in Beijing on July 23, 2002
A mandatory one-child rule was launched in late 1970s by Beijing when China's population was fast increasing - due to a post-war baby boom encouraged by Chairman Mao.
It was said the one-child policy was aimed at keeping the Chinese population under 1.2 billion at the end of the 20th century.
The ruthless policy was strictly enforced in urban areas. If a woman was pregnant with her second child, she would be asked to abort it.
If the couple decided to keep it, a fine would be applied - usually three times the family's annual income.
Selective demographics in the country, such as rural residents and minority groups, however, were not bound by the policy.
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