China experienced a significant decline in the number of births in 2022, with figures dropping by 10 percent to reach the lowest level on record. According to a report from the National Health Commission, China saw only 9.56 million births in 2022, marking the lowest number since record-keeping began in 1949.
Several factors have contributed to this decline, including the high costs of childcare and education, rising unemployment, job insecurity, and gender discrimination. These challenges have discouraged many young couples from having more than one child or even having children at all.
Furthermore, last year marked the first population decrease in China in six decades, reducing the total population to 1.41 billion people. This demographic shift has raised concerns that China may face aging issues before achieving significant economic growth, leading to a slowdown in the economy due to declining revenues and increased government debt, primarily caused by rising health and welfare costs.
To address the declining birth rate, the Chinese government has implemented various measures, including efforts to expand childcare services and financial incentives. President Xi Jinping presided over a meeting in May to discuss this pressing issue.
Nearly 40 percent of Chinese newborns in 2022 were second children in their families, and 15 percent came from families with three or more children, as reported by health authorities.
