China Records Lowest-Ever Birth Rate as Economy Meets Growth Target Amid US Trade Tensions

China has reported its lowest birth rate on record, underscoring mounting demographic pressures that threaten the country’s long-term economic and social stability. Factors such as rising living costs, job insecurity, delayed marriages, and changing social attitudes have continued to discourage young couples from having children, despite repeated government incentives and policy relaxations.

At the same time, Chinese authorities have announced that the economy has achieved its official growth target, showing resilience amid a prolonged slowdown and ongoing trade frictions with the United States. Strong performance in manufacturing, exports, and state-backed infrastructure spending has helped offset weaknesses in the property sector and consumer demand.

The contrasting trends — economic stability on paper alongside a rapidly ageing and shrinking population — present a complex challenge for policymakers. While short-term growth targets may be met, experts warn that a declining workforce and increasing elderly population could strain public finances, healthcare systems, and future productivity if structural reforms are not accelerated.