China's population drops for 2nd straight year, with record low birth rate

China's Birthrate , Hits Record Low As , Population Decline Accelerates. 'The Guardian' reports that China's population decline has continued to pick up speed, registering another year with record-low birthrates. . In 2023, the total number of people in China dropped by 0.2%, equal to about 2.75 million people, bringing the nation's population down to 1.409 billion. . According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the population drop surpassed the record set in 2022 of about 850,000 people. . It is the first time China's recorded population has declined since mass deaths resulting from Mao-era famines. 2023 also saw China's total deaths rise 6.6% to reach 11.1 million, the highest level since 1974's cultural revolution. Over the same period of time, births fell 5.7% to 9.02 million, the lowest ever recorded, at just 6.39 births for every 1000 people. . 'The Guardian' reports that China has been facing population decline for years, driven by previous population control policies and general reluctance to reproduce. . Chinese officials fear this "demographic timebomb" could have a dramatic impact on the country's economy. According to the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences, China's pension system is on track to run out of funds by 2035. . By that time, China's population of people over 60 years old is predicted to have increased from about 280 million to 400 million