Topic of Choice 2026

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China implemented some of the strictest control measures in the world. From lockdowns to mass testing and mobility restrictions, these policies were highly effective in limiting virus transmission. However, their broader impact on public health is more complex. From a healthcare standpoint, these measures significantly reduced infection rates and prevented healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. In this sense, they achieved their primary goal: protecting physical health and saving lives during a global crisis. At the same time, public health is not only about preventing disease. It also includes mental well-being, access to care, and overall quality of life. Prolonged lockdowns and movement restrictions led to increased stress, social isolation, and uncertainty, particularly in densely populated urban areas. For many people, especially the elderly and those living alone, the psychological impact was substantial. As a student who experienced these polici...

With better healthcare today, safer childbirth, improved prenatal care, and broader insurance coverage, you might expect more people to be willing to have children. However, in China, birth rates continue to decline. This highlights a gap between what healthcare can offer and how people actually make decisions about having children. Having a baby is no longer just about medical safety, but about what life looks like afterward. Many young people are concerned about stress, long working hours, and whether they can realistically handle parenting. The financial burden is also significant, raising a child to age 18 costs over 538,000 yuan (about $76,000), around 6.3 times the per capita GDP. In a slowing economy, these pressures can easily outweigh the benefits of improved healthcare.  At the same time, recent policies go beyond traditional healthcare support. In addition to financial incentives and childcare programs, there has been a shift toward more intervention-oriented approaches....