Key takeaways:

• China's population has decreased for three consecutive years, now standing at 1.408 billion.
• Factors contributing to the decline include rising living costs and an aging population.
• China's demographic challenges mirror trends observed in other East Asian nations.
• Government measures to boost birth rates have had limited success.
• The country faces a possible lack of working-age individuals amid its demographic shift.

China's population has registered a fall for the third consecutive year, a troubling indicator of deepening demographic challenges for the world's second most populous nation. By the end of 2024, China's population was recorded at 1.408 billion, reflecting a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year, as reported by various authoritative sources, including AP News, Time, and NPR.

This decline reflects a significant demographic shift not only in China but across East Asia, where nations such as Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong are experiencing plummeting birth rates. Young adults in China are increasingly postponing or opting against marriage and child-rearing due to escalating living costs and prioritizing education and career advancements. Trends show that while lifespans are increasing, they are insufficient to balance the low birth rates.

China's long history as one of the world’s most populous nations has seen it overcoming various adversities, from natural disasters to political turmoil. Following World War II and the rise of the Communist Party in 1949, the country experienced significant population growth. However, policy concerns led to the imposition of the draconian “one child policy,” which aimed to control population growth but created lingering demographic issues.

These long-standing policies have not only contributed to an aging population — with over 22% of residents aged 60 or above — but also resulted in a severe gender imbalance, estimated at around 104.34 men for every 100 women, prompting concerns about social stability from a growing population of unmarried men.

Authorities recognize that demographic changes could pose threats to economic stability, as well. A dwindling workforce, coupled with insufficient consumer markets, is prompting fears about China's ability to sustain its current growth trajectory. Indeed, despite continued investment in military and infrastructure, the social security system is increasingly strained as more people opt out of contributing to what has become an underfunded pension system.

Government initiatives, including incentive programs offering cash rewards for families to have multiple children and financial assistance for housing, have yielded only temporary effects. As China continues its shift to urbanization — with an additional 10 million people migrating to cities — the country faces a critical juncture in balancing its demographic and economic forecasts. Experts caution that without comprehensive policy changes to address these pressing issues, China risks “growing old before it grows rich.”

For further details, read the full articles on AP News, Time, and NPR.