In a dramatic turn for a country that once sought to control population growth through a one-child policy, China’s population shrank last year as its birth rate plummeted, according to official figures released Tuesday. As a result, leaders are under pressure to keep the economy growing despite an aging labor force and rising tensions with the US.
Experts Say China’s Population Has Been in Decline for Years
According to some experts, China’s population has been declining for several years despite official figures. This is a significant challenge for the country’s future economic and social development, as an aging population and a decline in working-age people could negatively impact economic growth.
“China has become older before it has become rich,” explained Yi Fuxian, a demographer from the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies Chinese population trends.
China Will Face Particular Difficulties in Managing Demographic Change
The aging workforce can be a drag on economic growth in many wealthy countries. China, however, faces a particular challenge when it comes to managing demographic change.
“It’s a big psychological issue. Probably the biggest,” Khalifa University professor Stuart Gietel-Basten said.
850,000 Less People in China at the End of 2022
At the end of 2022, China had 850,000 fewer people than the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Foreigners as well as residents of Hong Kong and Macao are not included in the tally.
Men Outnumber Women in China
The bureau reported that the data from the statistics bureau also showed that men outnumbered women by 722.06 million to 689.69 million. It results from the one-child policy and the tradition of male offspring carrying on the family name.
Increasing Urbanization in China
As a traditionally rural country, the numbers also showed an increase in urbanization. Over 2022, the urban population reached 920.71 million, or 65.22%, an increase of 6.46 million.
China’s Economic Growth Falls to Second-Lowest Level in 40 Years
The statistics bureau released data on Tuesday showing China’s economy shrank last year under the pressure of anti-virus controls and a real estate slump. In 2022, China’s economy grew by 3%, less than half of the 8.1% growth in 2021.
Experts Suggest Solutions to Address Demographic Changes
It is important to note that the demographic changes in China are not unique, as many developed countries face similar challenges, such as aging populations and low birth rates. However, the scale of China’s population and its economic and political importance make it a particularly significant case.
One solution that has been proposed is to leverage technology to support an aging population and increase productivity. This could include implementing automation and artificial intelligence in various sectors and providing access to telemedicine and other digital health services to older citizens.
In addition to these technological solutions, it is also important for the Chinese government to focus on creating a welcoming environment for immigrants and encouraging Chinese citizens to start families and have more children. This could include offering financial incentives and support for families and implementing policies to support working parents, such as flexible work arrangements and parental leave.
China’s declining population presents a significant challenge to the country’s future economic and social development. Still, it also presents an opportunity for the government to take comprehensive and effective measures to address these changes. With the right policies in place, China can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens, despite the demographic changes that it is facing.
