Amid Record Decline, China's Birthrate Drops to Historic Lows

China's population has fallen for the fourth straight year in 2025, with a record low birthrate and a rising death toll. The nation witnesses demographic shifts, an aging populace, and economic challenges tied to its past one-child policy. Efforts are underway to boost the birthrate.

China is grappling with a demographic crisis as its population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. Official figures revealed a significant drop in birthrate, while the death rate rose, reaching heights not seen since 1968.

The birthrate decline, attributed partly to the long-standing one-child policy, impacted China's economic objectives such as boosting domestic consumption. An increasing number of people over 60, expected to comprise 23% of the population by 2035, complicate issues further.

In response, China has implemented several measures to encourage marriage and childbearing. Meanwhile, urbanization rates have skyrocketed, with nearly 68% of the population inhabiting cities in 2025, adding financial pressures on families considering children.