China’s population growth rate has fallen to its lowest level in six decades, barely outnumbering deaths in 2021 despite major government efforts to increase population growth and stave off a demographic crisis. In the same period 10.14 million deaths were recorded, a mortality rate of 7.18 per thousand, producing a population growth rate of just 0.34 per thousand head of population. China, like much of east Asia, is in the grip of a population crisis, with lowering birthrates, and predictions of imminent negative population growth and an ageing population. It also indicates China’s potential growth is likely slowing faster than expected.”Beijing has announced major reforms to address the decline, including raising the retirement age. The last year has seen extraordinary levels of change in consumer habits and of government intervention in major Chinese industries.

Source: The Guardian January 17, 2022 18:50 UTC