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) revealed that births dropped to 7.92 million, or 5.63 per 1,000 people, a 17% decrease from the 9.54 million births recorded in 2024. This marks the lowest birth rate since records began in 1949.

The overall population decreased by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion, a more rapid decline compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, deaths increased from 10.93 million in 2024 to 11.31 million in 2025, according to the NBS.

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

The declining population and birth rate raise concerns about China'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 downward trend. The reasons behind the declining birth rate are complex and multifaceted. Factors include the rising cost of raising children, particularly in urban areas, as well as increased educational attainment among women, leading to delayed marriage and childbearing. The legacy of the one-child policy, implemented from 1979 to 2015, has also contributed to a cultural preference for smaller families.

The shrinking workforce could strain the country's social security system and hinder economic growth. An aging population also presents challenges for healthcare and elder care services. The government is exploring various strategies to address the demographic crisis, including financial incentives for families, improved childcare facilities, and policies to promote gender equality in the workplace. The long-term effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.