, as the Chinese government recorded fewer births than deaths in 2022, With 850,000 fewer people in the Asian country, it is the first instance of population decline in 1961. The decline, however, does not account for island territories such as Macao and Hong Kong.: "China's demographic and economic outlook is much bleaker than expected. China will have to adjust its social, economic, defense and foreign policies," said demographer Yi Fuxian.
: A variety of factors have led to the decline, including China's one-child policy, the rising cost of child care in urban areas, and an overall gender imbalance in favor of men. In October, President Xi Jinping said that the government would enact supportive policies, such as tax deductions and longer maternity leave, to support having more babies.