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China’s population crisis: is it irreversible?
China’s marriage and fertility rates remain on a downward trajectory, fueling a demographic crisis that threatens the nation’s economic and social stability. In this six-part series, we examine the far-reaching consequences of a shrinking and ageing population, from the rise of a “companionship economy” to the challenges faced by the “one-child generation” and the economic risks associated with losing the demographic dividend.
Updated: 30 Dec, 2024
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[1]
Too busy for love in time of baby bust: Chinese students embrace being single
Fears expressed that heavier burdens stemming from a focus on finding a job and making money could add to China’s demographic crisis.
29 Dec, 2024
![Illustration: Brian Wang](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/30/342e360f-2546-4ac0-8ac2-e266221122a8_d3214dce.jpg)
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[2]
China’s lonely-heart crisis fuels a growing ‘companionship economy’
As Chinese society becomes more atomised, consumers devoid of human interaction are increasingly opening their wallets to stave off loneliness.
17 Nov, 2024
![China’s single population is increasingly turning to various forms of paid companionship – from chatting with strangers online to virtual role-playing games. Photo: Shutterstock](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/11/15/557d5129-7aee-44fd-bbb6-8dcfbebd0e5c_79b6e9e6.jpg)
[3]
China’s current pro-birth policies cannot offset population crisis, expert warns
Cash subsidies for multiple children are doing little to offset China’s declining fertility rate that has far-reaching economic implications.
19 Oct, 2024
![Only 9.02 million births were reported in China in 2023, representing the lowest total since records started in 1949. Photo: Getty Images](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/10/18/03e52947-e5d4-4fe1-8efe-067d513c0140_f16ecacb.jpg)
[4]
Can an ageing, shrinking China still achieve prosperity?
Growing elderly population another conundrum for Chinese policymakers grappling with high youth unemployment and ‘ultra-low’ fertility.
13 Oct, 2024
![Illustration: Henry Wong](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/10/12/afee03c0-6147-47e8-94e4-dac2b09d3cdc_d0c6de5a.jpg)
[5]
How China’s ‘little emperors’ went from monarchs to overwhelmed caregivers
China’s one-child policy has created a zero-sibling generation – and caring for parents and children in a tough economy is taking its toll.
02 Oct, 2024
![Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/09/30/47f6dfff-5810-4261-a3fa-263aa72d9a8f_df009dca.jpg)
[6]
How raising China’s retirement age can help Beijing buy time to plug pension gap
Last week, China announced plans to gradually raise retirement ages by up to five years by 2040, starting from January.
17 Sep, 2024
![Elderly people chat outside a restaurant along a street in Beijing. Photo: AFP](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/09/17/39c49212-d47f-4b43-93a9-0e0eaccd3d87_dd509835.jpg)