Shocking new stat highlights extent of China’s population decline
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This demographic milestone highlights China's deepening population decline, which poses significant challenges for the nation AFP/Getty
China's latest data indicates that for the first time in over seven decades, the country has more people aged 65 and above than children under 15.
Approximately 15.87 per cent of China's nearly 1.4 billion population is aged 65 or older, compared to 15.25 per cent aged between 0 and 14.
This demographic milestone highlights China's deepening population decline, which poses significant challenges for the nation.
The decline is largely attributed to the former one-child policy, rapid urbanisation, high costs of childcare, and gender discrimination.
In response, Chinese authorities have unveiled proposals to integrate youth development into urban planning and foster a 'childbirth-friendly society' by 2030.