China recorded its lowest birth rate since 1949, deepening concerns over the country’s demographic decline. Data from the National Statistics Bureau showed births fell to 5.6 per 1,000 people last year. Newborn numbers dropped by 1.6 million to 7.9 million, the steepest fall since 2020.
The overall population shrank by 3.4 million to 1.405 billion. This marked the sharpest decline since the 1960 famine era. The figures deal a setback to President Xi Jinping’s push for a fertility-friendly society. Authorities have promoted cash incentives and family support policies.
A shrinking workforce and a rapidly ageing population now threaten long-term economic stability. Fewer workers must support a growing elderly population. This trend also increases pressure on China’s underfunded pension system.
The government has expanded maternity and paternity leave. It has also simplified marriage registration. Couples now receive about 500 dollars annually for each child born after January 2025 until age three. Officials also introduced a new tax on contraceptives this year.
Demographer He Yafu said the subsidies remain too small to change behavior. He cited delayed marriages and fewer women of childbearing age as key factors. The legacy of the one-child policy continues to affect population growth.
