China sees lowest number of births amid concerns over population decline

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 12, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Last year, the country's population also declined for the first time in six decades, dropping to 1.41 billion people...

Digital Desk: The number of births in China tumbled by 10% last year to reach their lowest level ever, a drop that comes despite numerous government initiatives to support parents amid rising concerns that the nation is becoming demographically imbalanced.

According to a National Health Commission report, China had just 9.56 million births in 2022. It was the lowest figure since records began in 1949.

High childcare and education expenditures, rising unemployment and job uncertainty, and gender discrimination have all contributed to many young couples deciding against having more than one child or perhaps having children at all.

Last year, the country's population also declined for the first time in six decades, dropping to 1.41 billion people.

Domestic demographers are concerned that China may become old before it becomes rich, slowing the economy as revenues drop and government debt increases due to rising health and welfare costs.

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Much of the demographic downturn is the result of China's one-child policy, which was imposed between 1980 and 2015, though the abandonment of that policy is having some effect.

According to health officials, nearly 40% of Chinese newborns last year were the second child of a married couple, while 15% were from families with three or more children.

To boost the country's dwindling birth rate, Beijing has implemented a slew of policies, including more childcare and financial incentives. Moreover, President Xi Jinping presided over a meeting in May to look into the matter.