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 children due to rising living costs. The sex ratio remains imbalanced, with 104.34 men for every 100 women, contributing to potential social instability. Despite government incentives to encourage larger families, such as cash payouts and housing assistance, these measures have had limited success. Urbanization continues, with 10 million more people moving to cities, raising concerns about the sustainability of China's social security system.