german.china.org.cn
China's Shrinking Population: Causes and Solutions
Analysis of China's declining population, including low birth rates, government initiatives, and expert recommendations.
German
China
ChinaDemographicsBirth RateFertilityPopulation
National Bureau Of Statistics Of China (Nbs)Nankai UniversityChina Population Association
Yuan Xin
- What was the overall change in China's population in 2023?
- China's population decreased by approximately 2 million in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of decline. This is despite government efforts to boost birth rates, with only eight provincial-level regions experiencing positive natural population growth.
- Which regions in China had the lowest birth rates in 2023?
- The lowest birth rates were in Tianjin, Shanghai, Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang, with Heilongjiang having the lowest at 2.92 per thousand. Heilongjiang's population has been declining since 2011, attributed to low birth rates, aging population, and emigration.
- What measures has the Chinese government taken to increase birth rates?
- The Chinese government has implemented various measures to increase birth rates, including tax breaks, maternity benefits, and extended parental leave. However, these policies are not sufficient to reverse the trend, and require further expansive measures.
- What is the current total fertility rate in China, and what does this indicate?
- The total fertility rate in China has fallen to around 1, below the replacement level of 2.1. This low fertility trend has persisted for three decades, despite government initiatives to encourage higher birth rates.
- What additional recommendations has Professor Yuan Xin made to address the declining birth rate?
- Professor Yuan Xin suggests expanding the scope and amount of maternity benefits nationwide, particularly for first and second children, along with broader societal efforts to create a more birth-friendly environment.