China’s Population Decline Alarms President Xi Jinping.
The population decline in China has once again become a source of concern for President Xi Jinping. Despite government efforts and incentives, the population has decreased for the third consecutive year in 2024. This marks a significant shift after decades of population growth. The situation has now escalated into a population crisis for the world’s second-most populous nation.
Population Decline Raises Demographic Challenges
The Chinese government announced that its population fell by approximately 1.4 million in 2024, leaving the total population at about 1.4 billion. This persistent decline presents serious demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The lack of younger, working-age individuals is expected to hinder economic growth and create long-term issues.
China’s One-Child Policy and Its Impact
In the 1980s, China introduced the one-child policy to curb population growth. However, this policy had long-lasting consequences. It was abolished in 2016, and by 2021, couples were allowed to have three children. Despite these changes, birth rates have not rebounded. Rising living costs, changing social norms, and the prioritization of education and careers, especially among women, are cited as reasons for the declining birth rate.
Aging Population Poses New Challenges
Research by the Economist Intelligence Unit indicates that by 2035, one-third of China’s population will be over 60 years old. To address this, officials announced plans to gradually increase the retirement age, which has remained unchanged for decades and is one of the lowest globally. New rules to implement this change took effect on January 1, 2025.
Declining Birth Rates Mirror Global Trends
China’s population decline aligns with trends observed in East Asia. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong have also experienced low birth rates due to similar factors, including high living costs and changing societal priorities. However, China’s limited immigration policies make it particularly vulnerable to the effects of a declining population.
Historical Perspective on Population Growth
China has historically been one of the world’s most populous nations. After World War II and the rise of the Communist Party in 1949, the population doubled within three decades. However, concerns over food shortages led to the introduction of the one-child policy. This policy, while effective in curbing population growth, has now resulted in a demographic imbalance.
Rising Elderly Population Sparks Concerns
Currently, over 22% of China’s population, approximately 310 million people, are aged 60 or older. By 2035, this figure is expected to exceed 30%. This shift has prompted discussions about increasing the retirement age and repurposing unused schools and kindergartens as care facilities for the elderly.
Future Implications of China’s Population Crisis
The population crisis in China highlights the complex interplay of economic, social, and policy factors. With fewer young people and a growing elderly population, the nation faces significant challenges in maintaining its economic momentum and addressing the needs of its aging citizens.
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My Introduction.
