PREVIEW

China's Birthrate Hits Record Low As Population Decline Accelerates. 'The Guardian' reports that China's population decline has continued to pick up speed, registering another year with record-low birthrates. In 2023, the total number of people in China dropped by 0.2%, equal to about 2.75 million people, bringing the nation's population down to 1.409 billion. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the population drop surpassed the record set in 2022 of about 850,000 people. It is the first time China's recorded population has declined since mass deaths resulting from Mao-era famines. 2023 also saw China's total deaths rise 6.6% to reach 11.1 million, the highest level since 1974's cultural revolution. Over the same period of time, births fell 5.7% to 9.02 million, the lowest ever recorded, at just 6.39 births for every 1000 people. 'The Guardian' reports that China has been facing population decline for years, driven by previous population control policies and general reluctance to reproduce. Chinese officials fear this "demographic timebomb" could have a dramatic impact on the country's economy. According to the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences, China's pension system is on track to run out of funds by 2035. By that time, China's population of people over 60 years old is predicted to have increased from about 280 million to 400 million. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT