China's population experienced a fourth consecutive year of decline in 2025, with registered births plummeting to a record low. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported 7.92 million births in 2025, a rate of 5.63 per 1,000 people, marking a 17% decrease from the 9.54 million births recorded in 2024. This is the lowest number of births since records began in 1949.

The overall population decreased by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion. Deaths also saw an increase, rising to 11.31 million from 10.93 million the previous year, according to the NBS.

Yi Fuxian, a demographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, noted the severity of the situation, stating that the birth rate in 2025 was comparable to that of 1738, when China's population was approximately 150 million.

The declining birth rate and increasing death rate have raised concerns about the country's aging population, shrinking workforce, and potential long-term economic repercussions. The Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at encouraging people to have children, but these measures have yet to reverse the trend.

The falling birthrate can be attributed to several factors, including the high cost of raising children, particularly in urban areas, as well as changing societal attitudes towards family size. The one-child policy, implemented from 1979 to 2015, also had a lasting impact on family planning preferences.

The demographic shift presents significant challenges for China's economic future. A smaller workforce could lead to slower economic growth, while a larger elderly population will place increased strain on the country's social security and healthcare systems.

The Chinese government is expected to introduce further measures to address the demographic crisis, including financial incentives for families with children, improved childcare facilities, and policies to promote gender equality in the workplace. The effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.