(FINANCIAL TIMES) "China will grow old, before it grows rich" is one of those things people like to say at conferences - usually followed by a dramatic pause. The implication is that China's rise to global dominance will soon hit a giant barrier: demographics.
China's low fertility rate means that its population will shrink and age over the coming decades. Its population grew at its slowest rate in decades in the 10 years to 2020, according to census data released yesterday, which also showed that births declined sharply last year.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
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
