"one-child-policy"

China’s population declined for a fourth straight year in 2025 despite incentives to boost births, including cash subsidies and policy shifts after ending the one-child rule. New data show falling birth rates as high living costs, economic pressures and low fertility continue to challenge authorities

The country’s fertility rate has now dropped to 1.3, far below the replacement level of 2.1 necessary for each generation to be fully replenished.

The change in policy is intended to improve China's demographic structure, deal with an ageing population and maintain abundant human resources.

With a wobbly population structure, will the Dragon be able to face a hostile international scenario?

On Thursday, the National Health Commission issued a statement saying it will conduct research to “further stimulate birth potential”.