China couple have 13 kids to avoid village bullying, elderly loneliness, dividing public opinion

In the rural village of Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, a 49-year-old man named Huang and his 42-year-old wife have recently gained attention for having 13 children, a choice that diverges from the declining birth rates seen in much of mainland China. The couple's offspring include eight sons and five daughters, spanning from their eldest daughter, now married at 22, to their youngest child who is just two years old. Among these children, the first two and last three are girls, with boys positioned in between.

The Huang family's commitment to their large brood is evident in their daily lives. Huang enrolls his children in school as they reach the appropriate age, adhering to the country's compulsory education laws. The family's income stems from farming, cultivating rice on a 20-mu plot, which is equivalent to approximately 13,340 square meters. To support their financial needs, they receive a monthly subsidy of 3,500 yuan (US$520) from the government, helping them maintain a living standard above the poverty line.

Local officials have been monitoring the family, offering financial assistance to aid in constructing their two-storey home. Huang expressed his happiness in having so many children, as he feels their presence minimizes the risk of bullying in the village and assures him that he won't feel lonely in his later years. However, he acknowledged ongoing debts stemming from a construction site accident in 2016, which left him with serious injuries, resulting in medical expenses of 100,000 yuan (US$15,000).

Despite the mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing the couple for being irresponsible and others praising their efforts, Huang remains steadfast in his reproductive choices, as local officials continue to visit their home to discourage further childbearing.