English
According to the latest official data released from China, the country’s population continued to shrink for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting a deepening demographic crisis. In 2025, the number of babies born in China fell to around 7.92 million, a sharp decline from 9.54 million births recorded in 2024. In contrast, the number of deaths rose to approximately 11.31 million during the same period. This widening gap between births and deaths led to a further reduction in the total population. The birth rate dropped to 5.63 births per 1,000 people, which is considered the lowest level since 1949. These figures clearly underline the seriousness of China’s population challenges, as the country not only becomes smaller but also significantly older.
Limited Impact of Policy Measures to Encourage Childbirth
Over the past few years, China has implemented a range of policy and administrative measures aimed at boosting childbirth. Marriage and having children have been promoted as social responsibilities and even as contributions to the nation. Newly married couples have been encouraged to think positively about family planning, and local authorities have intensified efforts to persuade citizens to have children. In some cases, regulatory changes related to contraceptives have also been introduced. Despite these efforts, the overall impact has remained limited. A large section of young people has not aligned these policies with their personal life choices and has continued to postpone decisions about starting or expanding families. As a result, a clear gap has emerged between government intentions and actual social behavior.
Economic Pressures and the Rising Cost of Childrearing
Economic conditions are widely seen as one of the main reasons behind the falling birthrate in China. In recent years, economic growth has slowed, while uncertainty around employment has increased. The ongoing property crisis, high youth unemployment, and unstable income prospects have made young adults more cautious about starting families. Costs related to education, healthcare, housing, and childcare have continued to rise steadily. Many young people believe that raising a child under current conditions would place a heavy financial burden on them. Additionally, the perception of a weak social security system has intensified concerns about the future, further discouraging people from having children and contributing to the continued decline in births.
Shrinking Workforce and the Growing Burden of an Aging Population
China’s population structure is undergoing rapid change. The number of people of working age is steadily declining, while the proportion of elderly citizens is increasing at a fast pace. Projections suggest that within the next decade, the population aged 60 and above could reach several hundred million. This trend is expected to place significant pressure on pension systems and healthcare services. Supporting a growing retired population with a shrinking workforce is emerging as a major economic challenge. In response, steps have been taken to gradually raise the retirement age. However, even with these adjustments, the retirement age remains relatively low compared to many other countries. At the same time, young people are showing reluctance to contribute to pension funds, raising concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the system.
Declining Interest in Marriage Deepens the Demographic Crisis
Alongside falling birthrates, attitudes toward marriage in China are also changing. In urban areas especially, many young people are delaying marriage or choosing not to marry at all. Despite efforts to promote social interaction and encourage marriage, participation in such initiatives has remained limited. In many cases, women appear less willing than men to engage in these activities. This trend reflects a broader shift in social values related to family and personal priorities. Demographic experts argue that once a country’s fertility rate falls below a certain threshold and population decline sets in, reversing the trend becomes extremely difficult. Current conditions indicate that China has reached such a demographic turning point, where overcoming the crisis will require not only policy adjustments but also broader reforms in economic stability, social security, and lifestyle expectations.
