Upsetting. But it being talked about at all is the very first step.
This quote, from your second link, is astonishing:
Now divorced, he has explained to his son that he had hurt the boy’s mother, so she had to leave “to protect herself”. He tells the nine-year-old that they should respect her, and lets him visit her.
So he has custody? I am pleased that he has changed so much as this seems not to be very common, and I admire him for his activism. But how did she not get custody of the child? Perhaps she didn't ask for custody. The article doesn't tell us.
Yes, China is quite patriarchal as are many other countries, but change is slowly happening.
Still, the problem with the lopsided sex ratio caused by preference for sons and dislike of daughters will cause problems in the future, including to young women who might be more pressurised into childbearing or marriage at least.