www.stiripesurse.ro/china-imbatraneste-populatia-i

For the first time in 2025, China's population aged 65 and older surpassed those aged 0 to 14, according to the National Statistical Yearbook. By the end of 2025, there were 223.65 million seniors, making up 15.9% of the population, compared to 212.76 million children, or 15.1%. The elderly dependency ratio reached 23.1%, reflecting a steady increase over the past decade. This demographic shift coincides with a prolonged decline in birth rates, with only 7.92 million births recorded in 2025, a historic low. Despite government efforts to encourage childbirth and reduce childcare costs, birth rates remain critically low. Authorities predict that by 2035, over 400 million Chinese will be aged 60 and above, intensifying pressure on the labor market and pension systems.