Global Outlook

 China's population, compared to 1.4126 billion in 2021, dropped by 850,000 people to 1.4118 billion last year, losing the title of the world's most populous country to neighboring India. The figures are not unexpected, but have renewed debate about the economic implications and a number of other demographic issues, in addition to how the Chinese government must respond. China arrived at a turning point last year when deaths outnumbered births. While some experts believe the country will continue to see a period of endless population decline from now on, others argue the trend of zero population growth will continue for a few years, with small rebounds likely to occur after the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the majority of experts believe China's population has peaked, and the government must now do its best to accommodate an ageing society and change the demographic structure. Still, a lot more should be done to boost the birth rate. Read on for the five suggestions fr...