China's population has been actively decreasing for the fourth consecutive year.
China's population decreased by 3.39 million to 1.404 billion by the end of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The statistics account only for mainland China — excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
In 2025, 7.92 million people were born in China, while 11.31 million people died. The birth rate was 5.63 per thousand people, and the death rate was 8.04 per thousand people.
As noted by CNN, the birth rate in China reached a historically low level by the end of 2025. The population of China has decreased for the fourth consecutive year.
The previous historical minimum birth rate in China — 6.39 per 1,000 people — was recorded in 2023. In 2024, the birth rate increased; however, CNN reports that new data indicates this was an exception rather than a change in the ongoing trend of decline that has been observed since 2016.
The statistical data for 2025, CNN points out, indicates that the government's attempts to stimulate birth rates after decades of the "one family, one child" policy have not yet yielded results.
Chinese authorities are paying special attention to efforts to increase birth rates due to the economic threat posed by a shrinking workforce and a growing number of retirees. Additionally, experts note that reduced spending on children amid declining birth rates negatively impacts domestic consumption.
At the same time, China's economy demonstrated stability in 2025, despite various negative factors, including the "tariff war" with the United States. China's GDP grew by 5%.
For many years, China held the top position in the world in terms of population. In 2023, it was surpassed by India.
