Key points from article :
China’s population growth rate has fallen to its lowest level in six decades.
Despite major government efforts to increase population growth and stave off a demographic crisis.
10.62 million babies were born in 2021 compared to 10.14 million deaths, which equals 0.034% growth.
2010s had an annual average rise of 0.53%, and the decade before 0.57%, so continuing to fall.
Proportion of over-60s in China rose from 18.7% in 2020 to 18.9%.
China’s total population may have reached its peak in 2021.
Beijing has raised the retirement age and replaced its two-child policy with a three-child policy.
It has also pledged better access to childcare and maternity leave.
Could be the start of a prolonged population decline in China.
