In 2024, China Sees First Increase in Newborns After Years of Decline
China is set to experience an increase in the number of newborns in 2024, marking the first growth in several years. This shift comes after a prolonged period of declining birth rates in the country. As the government implements measures aimed at encouraging families to have more children, the anticipated rise in births reflects a significant change in demographic trends. The implications of this increase could have widespread effects on China's economy and social structure.
TroibNews 
China has reported increases in both the number of newborns and the birth rate for 2024, reversing seven years of decline, thanks to a baby boom linked to the post-COVID Year of the Dragon and a variety of birth-friendly policies.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China recorded 9.54 million newborns in 2024, representing an increase of 520,000 compared to the previous year. The birth rate reached 6.77 births per 1,000 people, marking a rise of 0.38 per thousand from 2023.
Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, attributed this uptick to a surge in marriage registrations following the COVID-19 pandemic, the influence of the Year of the Dragon, and enhancements to China's childbirth support system.
As the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, comes to a close, it is traditionally associated with a baby boom. In Chinese culture, the dragon, or loong, symbolizes good fortune and is regarded as the most auspicious of the twelve zodiac animals.
Official statistics show about 11.94 million people in China got married for the first time in 2023, which is an increase of 13.52 percent from 2022. This marked the first rise in the number of newlyweds since 2014.
Analysts believe that the rebound in marriage registrations is largely due to many couples postponing their marriage plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As most Chinese still adhere to the tradition of marrying before having children, the rise in marriages is expected to boost the birth rate within one to two years," Yuan said. "Moreover, our comprehensive birth support policies are beginning to show results."
The shift followed China's decision in 2015 to end its long-standing one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children. By 2021, this policy was further expanded to enable families to have a third child.
Subsequently, both central and local governments have launched various initiatives aimed at creating a more childbirth-friendly environment. These initiatives include the expansion of childcare services and enhanced support in areas such as education, housing, and employment.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China recorded 9.54 million newborns in 2024, representing an increase of 520,000 compared to the previous year. The birth rate reached 6.77 births per 1,000 people, marking a rise of 0.38 per thousand from 2023.
Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, attributed this uptick to a surge in marriage registrations following the COVID-19 pandemic, the influence of the Year of the Dragon, and enhancements to China's childbirth support system.
As the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, comes to a close, it is traditionally associated with a baby boom. In Chinese culture, the dragon, or loong, symbolizes good fortune and is regarded as the most auspicious of the twelve zodiac animals.
Official statistics show about 11.94 million people in China got married for the first time in 2023, which is an increase of 13.52 percent from 2022. This marked the first rise in the number of newlyweds since 2014.
Analysts believe that the rebound in marriage registrations is largely due to many couples postponing their marriage plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As most Chinese still adhere to the tradition of marrying before having children, the rise in marriages is expected to boost the birth rate within one to two years," Yuan said. "Moreover, our comprehensive birth support policies are beginning to show results."
The shift followed China's decision in 2015 to end its long-standing one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children. By 2021, this policy was further expanded to enable families to have a third child.
Subsequently, both central and local governments have launched various initiatives aimed at creating a more childbirth-friendly environment. These initiatives include the expansion of childcare services and enhanced support in areas such as education, housing, and employment.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
