Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, supportive social environment for promoting and protecting youth
sexual and reproductive health has changed considerably. However, Chinese youth are confronted with more
and more problems in sexual physical, psychological and social well-being during the dramatic social and
economic transitions. Due to the lack of formal education and correct guidance from the school, family and
society, a remarkable contrast exists between lack of sexual knowledge and liberal attitudes as well as
widespread sexual behaviors. Consequently, sexually active youths, male and female, face increasingly severe
threats and challenges. Furthermore, the provision of sexual and reproductive information, education and
services are lagging far behind the increasingly diverse and complex needs of adolescent and youth. All these
call for the Chinese government to respond in time to put youth sexual and reproductive health on the
important agenda of public policies.

Key words: China, Youth, Sexual education, Reproduction, Health policy