Chinese filmmaker’s reported fifth-child plan sparks online debate
Veteran Chinese filmmaker Zhang Jizhong and his wife, Du Xinglin, have drawn mixed online reactions after discussing the possibility of having another child. Supporters defended their family choice, while critics questioned the couple’s ages and whether the discussion was publicity-driven.
Chinese filmmaker Zhang Jizhong, 75, and his 44-year-old wife, Du Xinglin, have sparked online debate after discussing the possibility of having a fifth child. The couple married in 2017 and have three children together, including a daughter born in October 2024. Du also has a Eurasian son, Martin, conceived through IVF before the marriage.
During a livestream, she jokingly referred to a hoped-for son as “Prince Dragon”. The comments prompted mixed reactions. Supporters said the couple should make their own family decisions if they could provide for their children.
Critics questioned Du’s age and Zhang’s ability to be present throughout another child’s life, while some suspected the discussion was intended to attract publicity. Du later said she would not deliberately plan a fifth pregnancy but would let nature take its course. She said each child represented a different stage of life and that she believed she could ensure every child grew up surrounded by love.
She also clarified that her reference to wanting a boy was a joke and that boys and girls were equally precious. The couple share family content with more than 5.6 million followers and have faced previous online harassment.
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