China Records Historic Birth Decline Despite Pro-Natal Policies

China’s birth rate fell to an unprecedented low in 2025, even as authorities expanded incentives to encourage families to have children. Official data shows births dropped to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest level since 1949, while deaths climbed to 8.04 per 1,000. As a result, the population shrank by 3.39 million to about 1.4 billion, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

To counter demographic pressures from an ageing society and weak economic growth, Beijing has relaxed family-planning rules over the past decade, moving from a one-child policy to allowing three children per couple. Financial incentives, including cash payments for young children and extended maternity leave in some regions, have followed. Still, high living costs, lifestyle preferences, and work pressures continue to deter many young people from parenthood.

With fertility hovering around one child per woman, experts warn China’s population will keep shrinking, intensifying strains on the workforce, pensions, and elder care system.

20-01-2026