China's Population Declines for Fourth Year Amid Record Low Birth Rate

China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by 3.39 million to about 1.405 billion, with births dropping to a record low of 7.92 million and deaths rising to 11.31 million. Despite policy efforts including relaxed birth limits, subsidies, and social campaigns, fertility rates remain around one child per woman, well below replacement level. Economic pressures, high living costs, and an ageing population contribute to the demographic decline, which experts warn may have long-term economic impacts.