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Exception allows couples to have a second child if at least one parent has no siblings. Image Credit: Reuters

Beijing: China's family planning authorities on Friday denied that it would completely enforce the "two-child policy" in May to allow couples to have a second child.

"This speculation is without foundation," said National Health and Family Planning Commission spokesperson Song Shuli.

The family planning strategy should be maintained as the size of the population puts pressure on resources, the environment, as well as economic and social development, Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying.

The one-child policy has been relaxed since late 2013, allowing couples to have a second child if at least one parent has no siblings.

The relaxation part aims to address the issues of the strength of the labour force and the aging population.

Authorities are still assessing the implementation of the new birth policy, to prepare changes to the family planning regulation, the spokesperson added.