China Steps Up Costly Pro‑Birth Drive as Population Falls for Fourth Straight Year

CHINA – China’s population is shrinking faster, falling for a fourth straight year in 2025, according to official data.

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show the population dropped by more than 3.3 million to about 1.4 billion, as births hit their lowest level in decades and deaths continued to rise.

The decline is complicating Beijing’s economic plans, with an aging population, a shrinking workforce and growing pressure on pension and healthcare systems.

In response, authorities are rolling out costly pro-birth incentives, including child subsidies and full coverage of pregnancy and IVF expenses.

But demographers warn that even with billions in spending, deep-rooted social and economic factors mean a baby boom remains unlikely.