China's population declines for third straight year as ageing crisis deepens

China's population decreased for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching 1.408 billion, down from 1.410 billion in 2023. This decline follows decades of growth and comes as the country faces low birth rates and an ageing population. The number of people aged 60 and over rose to 310.31 million, nearly a quarter of the population. Although the birth rate slightly increased to 6.77 per 1,000 people, experts predict this trend will not last due to a declining number of women of childbearing age. In response to demographic challenges, China is gradually raising the retirement age, which had been set at 60 for decades. The changes aim to address pressures on the economy and public health systems amid a shrinking workforce.