Falling birth rate in China: government fights for offspring!

Falling birth rate in China: government fights for offspring!

China's population is falling for the third consecutive year in a country that has experienced more than six decades of continuous growth. The world's second-largest economy is grappling with a dramatic shift in demographics as a result of high life expectancy and low birth rates. Loud vienna.at The Beijing government is trying to increase birth rates with various incentives, such as government funding and campaigns. Despite the lifting of the one-child policy and allowing couples to have up to three children, birth rates remain low. In 2024, China registered a birth rate of just 6.77 per thousand inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world.

Rising costs of living and increasing employment as well as women's higher levels of education are major reasons for the decline in the birth rate. The challenges may continue to intensify in the coming years as the number of seniors over 60 grows year on year. In 2024, China had about 310.31 million elderly people, accounting for almost a quarter of the total population. Forecasts suggest that this proportion could rise to around a third by 2035, as shown by an analysis by DSW, which also takes a detailed look at the future development of fertility, mortality and migration ( dsw.org ).

Rapid change in China's demographics

In addition, the Economist Intelligence Unit research group has pointed out the alarming development that China's demographic change is posing immense challenges not only to society but also to the economy. With an aging population in which more and more older people rely on fewer workers, the economic balance could shift significantly over the next few decades. These demographic changes require urgent policy measures to both boost birth rates and ensure health care for the aging population.