China’s population declined by 3.39 million in 2025, falling to 1.404 billion, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The figures cover mainland China only, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, Meduza reports.
During the year, 7.92 million births were registered, while the number of deaths reached 11.31 million. The birth rate stood at 5.63 per 1,000 people, compared with a death rate of 8.04. CNN notes that this is the lowest birth rate ever recorded in the country.
China’s population has now declined for the fourth consecutive year. The previous record low was registered in 2023, when the birth rate fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people. A modest uptick in 2024 proved temporary and did not reverse the long-term downward trend that has continued since 2016.
According to CNN, the 2025 data indicate that government measures aimed at boosting births following the abandonment of the “one-family, one-child” policy have so far produced limited results.
The demographic decline increases economic risks by shrinking the workforce and expanding the elderly population, while also weighing on domestic consumption.
At the same time, China’s economy showed resilience in 2025, with GDP growth reaching 5% despite external pressures, including ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
China lost its status as the world’s most populous country in 2023, overtaken by India.
