China records population decline for second straight year

The population of China fell by 2 million people in 2023 in its second straight annual decrease, as births dropped for the seventh straight year and deaths jumped following the end of COVID-19 restrictions,
According to statement released the Chinese government on Wednesday , the number of deaths rose by 690,000 to 11.1 million, which is more than double the previous year’s increase.
A research launched by Demographers revealed the rise was driven by the aging of the population, as well as the widespread COVID-19 outbreaks that started in December 2022 and continued into February of last year.
The falling births reflect a decline in the fertility rate that is a long-term economic and societal challenge for China. As Women are now having fewer babies despite government incentives and the easing of its one-child policy in recent years to allow up to three children.