look news india
Beijing/New Delhi. China, the world’s second largest economy, is currently grappling with an enemy that cannot be defeated by military force on the border—that is ‘decreasing population’. According to recent media reports, despite all the incentives and policies by the Chinese government, the birth rate there has reached its historically lowest level. According to government data, last year in China only 79.2 lakh Children were born, which is the lowest figure since 1949. The impact of the ‘One Child Policy’ that lasted for decades is now causing a deep wound on China’s economic and social structure.
In words of data: Why is China trembling?
China’s demographic picture is getting bleaker year by year:
Drastic decline in birth rate: Number of children born compared to last year 17% decline Has been registered.
Shrinking of population: China’s total population has now decreased 1.4049 billion is left.
Rising deaths: Last year, 1.13 crore people died, the highest in the last five decades.
Why don’t Chinese youth want to become parents?
There are several deep socio-economic reasons behind the growing apathy toward marriage and children among China’s youth:
economic burden: The cost of education and upbringing of children is skyrocketing.
Housing Insecurity: Rising house prices in big cities are keeping youth away from marriage.
Hard Work Culture: The ‘work-life balance’ has deteriorated due to increasing competition at the workplace and long working hours.
Changing social attitudes: The younger generation is now preferring to marry late or not marry at all.
Beijing’s ‘baby bonus’ and stimulus plans
To stop the population decline, the Chinese government has now opened the treasury:
Childcare Subsidy: For every child under three years of age 10,800 Yuan (approximately ₹1.28 lakh) National subsidy has been implemented.
Changes in marriage rules: Marriage registration has been made easier, while the divorce process has been made more stringent.
insurance coverage: Insurance policies have been extended to cover childbirth expenses.
Future Challenge: Will the situation improve?
However, there will be a decline in marriage registration in the first three quarters of the year 2025. 8.5% increase It is expected that the birth rate may cross 80 lakh in 2026. But experts believe that cash subsidy alone will not work. Unless there is affordable housing, gender-equitable employment policies and reliable childcare, China’s ’empty cribs’ will be difficult to fill.
Economic impact: Will the dragon weaken?
The declining and aging population will have a direct impact on China’s productivity and pension system. If the consumer base decreases, domestic demand will decrease, which may cause a major blow to China’s global economic dominance in the future.