China’s National Bureau of Statistics has announced a nationwide sample survey to monitor population changes, running from Thursday until November 30. This survey aims to gather data to help shape economic and social policies, particularly as authorities face a declining birth rate and aging population. The initiative comes as China struggles to incentivise young couples to have children, following two consecutive years of population decline in 2023.
Policymakers are increasingly concerned about the rapid aging of the population, with those aged 60 and above expected to rise by 40% to over 400 million by 2035, a figure comparable to the combined populations of Britain and the United States. The survey will focus on both urban and rural regions, aiming to accurately reflect changes and help design national development plans.
The bureau warned that local authorities would be held accountable for any illegal acts during the survey process, and called for the active cooperation of all sectors. Population growth is often linked to national strength, and Beijing’s declining birth rate has fueled concerns about the challenges of raising children in modern Chinese society.
In response, health officials have urged a focus on promoting marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages and sharing parenting responsibilities. Many young Chinese, however, remain reluctant to have children due to high childcare costs, career pressures, and the persistence of traditional gender roles in caregiving. Official data also shows that the number of marriages in China has fallen to its lowest level since 2013, underscoring the demographic challenges the country faces.
China last conducted a full census in 2020, which showed the slowest population growth since modern surveys began in the 1950s.
Melissa Enoch
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