China's population decreased by 3,39 million people in 2025, reaching 1,405 billion, according to data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics on 19/1. This marks the fourth consecutive year the nation has seen a population decline.

China's birth rate in 2025 was 7,92 million, the lowest in decades, compared to 9,54 million in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of deaths increased from 10,93 million in 2024 to 11,31 million in 2025.

A nurse cares for one infant at a hospital in Henan province, central China, on 1/10/2025. *Photo: AFP*

China's population began to shrink in 2022 and faces rapid aging. This situation complicates government plans to boost domestic consumption and control public debt, as hundreds of millions of people approach retirement age at a time when pension funds are tightening.

In 2024, the number of couples marrying in China also fell by 20%, the largest decline on record, with 6,1 million couples registering marriages compared to 7,68 million in 2023. Marriage rates are often considered the most reliable predictor of birth rates in China.

However, demographers suggest that in 2026, China's birth rate could see a slight increase. This is because from 5/2025, the nation began allowing marriage registration anywhere in the country, rather than requiring couples to return to their registered household residence as before, making registration procedures more convenient.

By Hong Hanh (Reuters)