China's National Bureau of Statistics has reported a decline in the national population by 3.39 million in 2025, the largest drop since 2022.
What happened
The decline is attributed to a low fertility rate, with the population decreasing by 7.71 million people since 2021. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that China will lose around one percent of its population annually by the 2040s.
The aging population is also a concern, with the proportion of people aged 65 and older expected to surge from 15 percent to around 30 percent in the 2040s. This demographic shift will have significant implications for China's economy and politics.
Experts have pointed out that China's economy, which relies heavily on exports, will be affected by the declining population. The country's political system is also expected to be impacted, with a growing need for innovation and flexibility.
The Chinese government has implemented policies to encourage fertility, including subsidies for maternity care and education. However, these efforts have had limited success, and the country is still facing significant demographic challenges.
