BLUF
For the first time in 60 years, China's population will begin falling—but why? The author of this article examines this issue.Summary
This article by Xiujian Peng, writing for the BBC, makes the following points:
- China's population has swelled from 660 million to 1.4 billion in just four decades, but it is set to decline this year for the first time since the great famine of 1959-1961.
- The decline is taking place despite China abandoning its one-child policy in 2016.
- Theories differ about why Chinese women seem reluctant to have children in the despite state incentives.
- One reason is that people have become used to small families; also the rising cost of living.
- The likely decline in population will have a profound impact on China's economy.
References
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References from the Web:
- OCT 2021 China's population could halve within next 45 years, new study warns—Bangkok Post
- JAN 2022 China’s population growth rate falls to 61-year low—The Guardian
