China’s Marriage Decline Sparks Fresh Demographic Concerns
China has recorded a sharp 20.5% decline in marriages, the latest signal of worsening demographic challenges as the country struggles to boost birth rates despite economic concerns among young families.
According to data from the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, only 6.1 million couples registered for marriage in 2024, down from 7.7 million in the previous year. This significant drop aligns with China’s third consecutive year of population decline, following India’s overtaking of the country as the world’s most populous nation in 2023.
China’s Aging Population Crisis
China’s 1.4 billion population is rapidly aging, with nearly a quarter of its people aged 60 or above as of late 2024. This shift places immense pressure on pension funds, healthcare systems, and workforce sustainability, raising concerns about the country’s long-term economic stability.
For decades, China’s economic growth has been fueled by its vast workforce, but demographic shifts are now threatening this advantage. The country has been implementing pro-family policies to encourage births, but these efforts have yet to yield significant results.
Why Are Young Chinese Avoiding Marriage?
Despite subsidies and incentives to promote family life, many young Chinese are reluctant to get married due to:
- High cost of living – Rising housing prices, education expenses, and childcare costs make family life unaffordable for many.
- Job market uncertainty – Young graduates face a tough employment environment, leading to financial insecurity.
- Changing societal attitudes – More young people are embracing singlehood, citing reduced financial pressure and greater personal freedom.
One Weibo user commented:
“If I don’t rely on my parents, I simply can’t afford to buy a house, and getting married is also a huge expense.”
Another user added:
“Being single feels good. Less pressure, I earn and spend my own money.”
The Legacy of China’s One-Child Policy
China’s one-child policy, imposed in the 1980s, was aimed at curbing overpopulation but has now contributed to a shrinking younger generation. Although the policy was relaxed in 2016 and couples were allowed three children in 2021, the effects of decades-long population control remain deeply rooted in society.
Government Response: Raising the Retirement Age
To address the aging population and declining workforce, Beijing announced in September 2024 that it would gradually raise the statutory retirement age, which had been one of the lowest in the world at 60. This move is aimed at extending the working years of older citizens to help sustain economic productivity.
Future Implications
With fewer marriages and an aging population, China faces mounting economic and social challenges. If the marriage and birth rate trends continue downward, the country will have to rethink its policies on workforce sustainability, retirement planning, and social welfare.
The question remains: Can China reverse its demographic decline before it becomes an irreversible crisis?