China's population falls for fourth straight year

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 19, 2026 at 08:12 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.4 billion, due to record low birth rates and rising death rates. The birth rate fell to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949, while the death rate reached a high of 8.04 per 1,000. The Chinese government has implemented various incentives, including financial bonuses and extended maternity leave, to encourage larger families in response to the aging population and sluggish economy. However, these measures have faced controversy, and China's fertility rate remains one of the lowest globally. Experts predict a continued population decline, with significant economic and social consequences for the country.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

YuWa Population Research Institute 40% South Korea 40% Singapore 40% Taiwan 40% UN 50% Beijing ×260% Communist Party of China 70% China ×595%

Keywords

china 100% population decline 90% low birth rates 80% ageing population 70% government incentives 70% fertility rate 60% economic implications 50% one-child policy 50% death rate 40% sluggish economy 40%