China’s Population Decline Hits Third Year, Economic and Global Aspirations at Risk

Chen Songxi, a national political advisor has proposed lowering China's legal marriage age to expand the fertility population base
Senior citizens relax at a park on Lindai Road in Fuyang City, East China, on January 16, 2025. The population aged 60 and above is 310.31 million, accounting for 22.0% of the national population, of which 220.23 million are aged 65 and above, accounting for 15.6% of the national population. (Photo by NurPhoto via AFP)

China’s population has fallen for the third consecutive year, with official government data confirming a drop of 1.39 million people in 2024, bringing the total to 1.408 billion.

This ongoing decline underscores mounting demographic challenges for the world’s second-largest economy and its global ambitions.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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