2015.10.2919:53:35UTC+00China abandons one-child policy after three decades

China has ditched its one-child policy after its inception more than three decades ago, allowing all couples to have two children.

The announcement came following a four-day plenum of the Chinese Communist party's Central Committee where top leaders discuss tough issues and how to maintain growth at a time the country is experiencing economic slowdown.

State news agency Xinhua, via Twitter, said China will fully implement the new policy as a response to an ageing population and to balance population development as well.

Some welcomed the move as a positive step towards greater personal freedom. However, human rights activists and critics said the loosening did not go far enough.