China's population declines for third straight year despite slight rise in births

China's population decreased for the third consecutive year in 2024, dropping by over 1.39 million to 1.408 billion. This decline occurred despite a slight increase in births, with around 9.54 million babies born, 520,000 more than in 2023. The rise in births is attributed to couples who delayed having children during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this number remains the second-lowest since 1949, highlighting ongoing challenges in reversing the declining birth rate. The Chinese government has faced difficulties in addressing demographic issues linked to past family planning policies and rising costs. Authorities have promised to support families with multiple children, but concerns about a shrinking workforce and an aging population persist.