China's population fell for the third straight year in 2024, declining by almost 1.4 million to 1.408 billion, signaling a troubling demographic trend. This pattern mirrors that of Japan, which has witnessed a population decline since 2008, and South Korea, which faced negative growth in 2021. As healthcare advances extend life expectancy, these countries grapple with fewer births and an aging population, necessitating significant adjustments to social policies and government strategies.
The Japanese government's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, emphasized the severity of the demographic decline, stating that the next six years are "the last chance for us to possibly reverse the trend." With Japan's population dwindling from a peak of 128 million and births reaching a record low of 730,000 in 2023, this situation has sparked calls for immediate action to encourage family formation amidst rising living costs and challenging work conditions.
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