China's population declines for third consecutive year, raising demographic concerns

China's population decreased for the third consecutive year, reaching 1.408 billion at the end of 2024. This decline of 1.39 million highlights ongoing demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shortage of working-age individuals. The country faces a declining birthrate, with many young people delaying marriage and childbirth due to rising living costs. The sex ratio remains imbalanced, with 104.34 men for every 100 women, contributing to potential social issues. China's social security system is under pressure as over 22% of the population is now 60 or older. Despite government incentives to encourage larger families, these measures have had limited success in reversing the trend.