After seven consecutive years of decline, China has reported a rise in both newborns and the birth rate in 2024, signaling a potential shift in the nation’s demographic trends.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on Friday that the number of newborns reached 9.54 million in 2024, an increase of 520,000 compared to 2023. The birth rate climbed to 6.77 per 1,000 people, up by 0.38 per thousand from the previous year.
Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, attributed this growth to several factors, including a surge in marriage registrations following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese lunar calendar, and enhanced childbirth support policies.
“As most Chinese still adhere to the tradition of marrying before having children, the rise in marriages is expected to boost the birth rate within one to two years,” Yuan said. “Moreover, our comprehensive birth support policies are beginning to show results.”
The Year of the Dragon, considered the most auspicious among the 12 zodiac animals, is traditionally associated with baby booms. The dragon symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture, and many couples choose to have children in this year.
Official data showed that approximately 11.94 million Chinese individuals married for the first time in 2023, marking a 13.52 percent increase compared to 2022. Analysts believe that many couples postponed their marriage plans due to the pandemic, leading to a rebound in marriage registrations.
In an effort to address declining birth rates, China ended its decades-long one-child policy in 2015, allowing all couples to have two children. This policy was further expanded in 2021 to permit families to have a third child.
Since then, both central and local governments have introduced a range of supportive measures to foster a more childbirth-friendly society. These include expanding childcare systems and strengthening support in education, housing, and employment.
The recent uptick in births may signal the beginning of a demographic turnaround for China, as policymakers continue to implement strategies aimed at encouraging families to have more children.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
