China’s shrinking population

Covid-related deaths likely accelerated China’s declining population in 2023, presenting more challenges for a government already dealing with economic deflation and a property crisis

DECLINING BIRTH RATE COMBINES WITH RISING DEATHS (millions)

Births Deaths Change
   
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5

 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

1979: China implements one child per family policy

2015: Ends one-child policy

2020-2022: Covid-19 pandemic restrictions
 
By 2032, 30% of China’s population is expected to be aged 60 years or over 

2023: Population falls by 2.1m

11.1m 9.0m
 
Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters
Picture: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS