A quarter century ago, Chinese Premier Deng Xiaoping declared that “to get rich is glorious.” Thanks to an enormous population of workers, China is now cashing in. Will it last?
Some key facts and figures about China’s population.
China’s population continues to grow, straining China’s infrastructure and natural resources. But that growth is stalling, fertility levels are at record lows, the population is aging fast, and families are shrinking. Will China manage to find a balance?
China’s government sees overpopulation as its greatest demographic threat. An aging population, however, could pose new challenges that force China to relax its one-child policy and protect the elderly.
Looking ahead to 2050, China may regret its longstanding one-child policy. In a rapidly aging society, not having enough children to support the elderly might become the real problem.
China’s one-child policy is the world’s most ambitious population control program ever. David Phillips, professor of social policy at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, explains whether it has been a success or a hindrance to China’s future.
After decades of urban growth, one-child family policy and other population control mechanisms, China is now bracing for the rapid aging of its population. Expert Du Peng explains how.
Tens of millions of poor Chinese farmers are migrating towards the country’s booming cities. But for all its problems, says Erle Ellis, China has managed to transform its ancient agricultural system, providing food and jobs for hundreds of millions more.
