China reports population decline for third consecutive year in 2024

China's population declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching 1.408 billion, down from 1.410 billion in 2023. This marks a continuation of a demographic trend following decades of growth, as the country faces low birth rates and an aging population. The birth rate slightly increased to 6.77 per 1,000 people, attributed to women who postponed childbirth during the pandemic. However, experts predict this uptick will not reverse the overall decline, as the number of women of childbearing age is expected to decrease. China's elderly population reached 310.31 million, nearing a quarter of the total population. In response to these demographic challenges, officials have begun raising the retirement age, which had remained unchanged for decades.