Chinese professor sparks debate over marriage suitability of young people

Liang Yongan, a 72-year-old professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, has ignited intense social media debate after claiming that at least one-third of young people are unsuitable for marriage. Liang argues that marriage requires a capacity for care and a willingness to sacrifice for others—qualities he believes many individuals have not yet developed.

He suggested that young people should prioritize personal maturity before pursuing romantic relationships, even proposing that age 40 might be an ideal milestone for seeking love due to the self-understanding gained through life experience. These comments resurface amidst declining marriage rates in China and a growing trend toward independent living, often referred to as the ‘single economy,’ characterized by rising demand for solo dining, emotional companionship services, and pet spending.