China’s population declines for first time in 60 years

BEIJING: For the first time in 60 years, China records a decline in population. China’s total population is 1.411 billion as of the last quarter of 2022. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that there was a decrease of 850,000 people as compared to population in 2021.

The birth rate in China is 9.56 million and mortality rate is 10.41 million. The last population decline in 1960. It was a result of the collapse following Mao Tse Tung's agricultural policies at the time. Fearing overpopulation, the Chinese government enforced the 'one-child' policy in the 1980s. Later, in 2021 the government amended the policy and allowed citizens to have three children. But the recent reports shows that the people are reluctant to agree with the government’s amendment.

China also provides financial assistance till the birth of three kids. The first child is given the amount of 3000 yuan. 600 yuan per month will be given to the second child.

Despite this, the United Nations estimates that India will soon surpass China in terms of population growth