Nation can cope with demographic 'new normal'

On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics released data showing that the total population at the end of 2023 in the Chinese mainland was more than 1.409 billion, a decrease of 2.08 million from the previous year. The total number of births for the year was 9.02 million, and the total number of deaths was 11.1 million.

In the long run, negative growth and aging will be two characteristics of China's demography. In fact, China is undergoing a demographic transition, with its population peaking at 1.41 billion in 2021-22. The total fertility rate, a key indicator of demographic dynamics, nosedived to 1.1 in 2022, signaling a seismic shift in China's population. This unfolding narrative will not only shape China's future but also have a profound impact on the global demographic tapestry.

Tech, retirement reforms key to aging challenges