China's population shrinks as birth rates fall 17%

apnews.com — January 19, 2026 at 07:01 AM UTC

China's population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, reaching 1.4 billion. Births dropped significantly by 17% to 7.92 million. This decline continues despite the government lifting the one-child policy to allow three children per family. Families cite high costs and societal pressures as reasons for low birth rates. Experts estimate China's fertility rate is now around 1, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain population size. The government has introduced subsidies and tax changes to encourage births.

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