China's Population Declines for a Fourth Consecutive Year as Deaths Outpace Births.

China's Demographic Challenge

According to TSN.ua: For the fourth year running, China has recorded a population decline, with deaths exceeding births in 2025. The country saw 7.92 million births last year, a significant drop from the 9.54 million recorded the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of deaths reached 11.31 million, underscoring a persistent negative demographic trend. This ongoing shrinkage presents a major long-term challenge for the world's second-largest economy.

China's birth rate has fallen to 5.63 per 1,000 people, a figure causing deep concern among analysts. Wu Fang, one such expert, noted that

"China is facing an extremely serious problem caused by an ultra-low birth rate."

"Economic uncertainty is forcing young people to wait, and that is a bad signal for the birth rate."

Government Policy Responses

In response to this demographic crisis, Chinese authorities have rolled out a series of initiatives, including:

• restrictions on abortions;
• monitoring of women's reproductive health;
• financial incentives for families;
• the imposition of a 13% VAT on contraceptives.

Projections indicate that by 2035, the number of Chinese citizens aged over 60 could reach 400 million, further complicating the population situation.

The Chinese demographic crisis is a critical factor influencing the country's economic and social development. A shrinking and aging population is likely to reduce the workforce, negatively impacting economic growth. While the government is attempting to implement various measures to stimulate the birth rate, their effectiveness remains in doubt. Given the rapid pace of population aging, addressing this issue will require a comprehensive approach and long-term solutions.