China’s population fell for a fourth straight year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion, according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The total number of births fell sharply to 7.92 million, down 17% from 9.54 million in 2024, while deaths rose to 11.31 million, marking the highest […]
birth rate
China’s birth-rate push struggles as couples choose child-free lifestyles
BEIJING: Despite China’s efforts to reverse its declining birth rate, an increasing number of young couples are opting to remain child-free, highlighting the limits of government incentives. Twenty-five-year-old Grace and her husband, for example, have decided not to have children, resisting societal and familial pressure. Their choice reflects a broader trend among young Chinese couples […]
China ends tax break on contraceptives amid population decline
China has removed a long-standing tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices in a fresh attempt to reverse the country’s declining birth rate, as demographic pressures continue to mount in the world’s second-largest economy. From January 1, condoms and contraceptive pills are subject to a 13 per cent value-added tax, the standard rate applied to […]
China to cover all childbirth pocket medical expenses from 2026
China announced that it will cover all out-of-pocket medical expenses related to childbirth starting next year, as part of efforts to encourage more young couples to start families. The national healthcare security administration said the policy will include prenatal checkups and other medical services associated with childbirth. Read More: China to pay parents $500 a […]
China to pay parents $500 a year to boost birth rate
In a bold move to counter its declining birth rate, the Chinese government has announced its first-ever national child subsidy program, offering parents of children under three years old $500 (3,600 yuan) annually. Despite being the world’s second most populous country, China has one of the lowest birth rates, with the number of newborns declining […]