China's population has declined for the third consecutive year, dropping by 1.39 million to stand at 1.408 billion at the end of 2024. The shrinking population aligns with trends in East Asia, where rising living costs delay marriage and childbearing. As China grapples with an aging society, the country also sees a shortage of working-age individuals, exacerbating demographic challenges.
China's stringent one-child policy, enforced until recently, has left a legacy of social issues, including a skewed sex ratio. The report indicates 104.34 men for every 100 women, although independent estimates are higher. Additionally, China's elderly population is surging, with those aged 60 or above comprising over a fifth of the population, poised to surpass 30% by 2035. This demographic shift strains the nation's fragile social security system, with many citizens opting out of the pension scheme.
Efforts to counterbalance the declining birth rate have seen limited success. Incentives like cash rewards for having up to three children have had only fleeting impacts. Urbanization continues, with 10 million more people moving to cities last year, yet the pressure to accommodate this growing demographic, alongside a falling birth rate, is mounting. As schools transform into care facilities, concerns rise that China, the world's second-largest economy, might "grow old before it grows rich," highlighting the complex interplay between economic growth and demographic stability. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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