The challenge of keeping China from shrinking

When newborns continued to decrease in 2017 and 2018 in China even after the one-child policy was lifted, many demographers argued that the two-child policy effect had not been fully realized and still recommended conservative policies. PHOTO: NYTIMES
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

(CAIXIN GLOBAL) - China's once-in-a-decade census showed an ultra-low fertility rate, a shrinking labour force and a rapidly ageing population, alerting policymakers of the urgent need for significant changes to reverse or at least ease a dramatic plunge in population that could sap economic growth.

The numbers herald drastic demographic changes for China in coming decades. At present, the world's most populated country still adds 12 million newborns every year.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.