China to loosen one-child policy amid sweeping reforms

China is to loosen its one-child policy and abolish labour camps.

The official Xinhua news agency also says Beijing will also abolish a much-criticised labour camp system.

The ruling Communist Party released a raft of detailed reform plans today, promising sweeping changes to the economy and the country's social fabric as it seeks to unleash new sources of growth after three decades of breakneck expansion show signs of faltering.

The reform document released by the Communist Party following a four-day conclave of its top leaders said China would accelerate capital account convertibility, scrap residency restrictions in small cities and townships, integrate urban and rural social security systems and push forward with an environmental tax, among many other measures.

China will also ease its family planning policies, allowing couples to have two children if one of the parents is an only child.

It will also abolish a controversial labour camp system, according to the document . The document was approved by the leaders’ meeting.

In an initial communique they had promised “decisive” results by 2020.