China's population could continue declining for another 50 years: Expert

China’s population shrank for the second year in a row last year. The total number of people in China plunged by 2.08 million to 1.41 billion in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The decline is not surprising, Dr Xiujian Peng, senior research fellow at Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies, tells CNA's Asia Now, adding that this decline will likely continue "for at least maybe more than 50 or 60 years".

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[hengongchua]

Just let India be no. 1 as the most populated nation on earth.
I am sure if China population decline to say 700 to 800 million, Chinese will be having far better life than today.

[calvinang]

A higher economic growth along with a slower population growth could also translate to a higher GDP. US with a population of approx 320mil but with an economy of approx $32 trillion is a prime example why you don’t necessarily need a higher population growth in support economic growth nor higher internal consumption. China industrialisation has already moved into second gear with the best example being their rapid growth in the EV automotive industry with production plants being developed in Latin America, Eastern Europe as well as in South East Asia non of which is dependent on its population growth in support of its economic growth within this sector nor its advancements into AI, aerospace, financials to quote a few.

[xinfuxia]

In less than half a century, China double her population from 700 million to 1.4 billion. I remember that time the air was fresher, scenery was greener, water more plentiful. If China can manage a smooth reduction of population down to 700 million in another 50 years, that would be a wonderful success for Chinese people and the humanity.

[americanknow]

China's newborn babies are about ten million, more than Singapore's population. China is adding a new Singapore every year. It may be reduced to 5 million each year, but still too many.

[ThickBanana]

China's population cycles don't bode well for the stability of the domestic real estate sector as balance sheets will be burgeoning with very real liabilities.

Foreigners will not be able to reduce vacancy rates in great enough numbers to sustain the real estate market as time goes on. A difficult problem.

[liamporter]

PAP, why not solve the high cost of living first. Housing and car are so ridiculously expensive.

[louistan]

Where's the concern? Why the concern? When it is not yours?

[diazvirdani]

*China🇨🇳 have border/maritime disputes with Taiwan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, India, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines.*
make border/maritime agreement & peace.

[MrBoliao]

We all Singapore, we all waiting for a crisis, for 20 years we keep importing, what if we cannot import?

And our urban design, and our entire thinking is totally unsustainable. You jolly well engender a population that can reproduce at 2.1 in Singapore and make sure things are stable. The last 20 years is a mistake, and we are simply creating a Ponzi scheme of forever population increase in a finite volume of space.

[amunra]

ALL the worlds large nations have declining populations.

[dr.zschanel]

Those smart experts only see things in a straight line. They are so genius!

[Wilson]

Does it even make any sense to predict for 50 years?

[eugenec]

Economists love to point China's economic success to its (used to be) biggest population in the world. But that may not be the case. India's population is comparable to China (and is the biggest population in 2023) but India is burdened by its huge population. Overpopulation can cause more problems than bring benefits. China can't rely on its large population as an economic advantage forever. Its large population may be a stepping stone for its excellent economic performance but it has to divert to other factors to sustain its economy. Decrease in population may not be a bad thing. It is a blessing in disguise.

[chriswong]

You should be talking to an expert in China, who knows what is actually being done. Mathematical trend lines mean nothing without context.

[firstlast-ptpp]

just in time for "industry 4.0"

[SK-ltso]

When you live in a lifeless, despotic society...

[ipinsos]

I think the Expert forget about AI, Robot machine industries and Chinese overseas, , , population not big problem for China

[batm]

Earth Population hv to reduce below Pre-industrial levels.(1500s) which is sustainable.

[liar-liar]

They migrated, that's why there's 2 Chinatown in the USA

[Placidzzz]

do your children a favor, don't bring them into this terrible world, too much conflicts.