International News
China’s Population Shrinks For Third Year Amid Aging Crisis, Low Birth Rate
China’s population shrank for the third consecutive year in 2024, as the nation grapples with a rapidly aging society, persistently low birth rates, and mounting economic pressures.
The country’s National Bureau of Statistics reported a population of 1.408 billion by the end of the year, down from 1.410 billion in 2023.
The population decrease reflects a broader demographic shift following decades of robust growth.
Once the world’s most populous nations, China was overtaken by India in 2023.
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Despite government efforts to boost birth rates through subsidies, pro-fertility campaigns, and policy adjustments, the decline persists.
Data shows that the number of people aged 60 and older rose to 310.31 million in 2024, representing nearly a quarter of the population.
This marks a significant increase from 297 million in 2023. Experts project that by 2035, seniors will comprise nearly one-third of China’s population.
“The aging crisis poses unprecedented challenges for China’s pension and public health systems,” said Zhao Litao, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute.
China’s birth rate saw a slight increase in 2024, rising to 6.77 per 1,000 people, up from 6.52 in 2023.
Experts attribute this to deferred childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in marriages in 2023 and 2024, particularly during the auspicious Year of the Dragon.
However, demographers remain skeptical about the sustainability of this uptick. “The number of women of childbearing age is set to decline sharply in the coming decades,” said independent demographer He Yafu. “Unless significant pro-birth policies are introduced, the downward population trend will persist.”
China ended its strict one-child policy in 2016 and later allowed families to have up to three children in 2021.
Despite these changes, economic factors, such as the rising cost of living and housing, have deterred many from expanding their families.
Additionally, the growing number of women pursuing higher education and careers has contributed to falling birth rates.
“Chinese women still face entrenched labor market gender discrimination, which discourages childbirth,” said Yun Zhou, a sociologist at the University of Michigan.
China’s demographic challenges are compounded by slowing economic growth and increasing pressure on social systems.
In response, the government raised the statutory retirement age from January 1, 2024, to address labor shortages and ease the burden on pension systems.
The retirement age reform marks the first adjustment in decades, reflecting China’s transition from a period of scarcity to one of comparative wealth and improved living conditions.
Despite incremental efforts, experts predict that China’s demographic crisis will persist. “The trends of declining births, population contraction, and rapid aging remain unchanged,” Zhao Litao noted.
A devastating fire has swept through a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya, leaving at least 16 students dead and dozens more injured in one of the country’s worst school tragedies in recent years.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy, located in Nakuru County, roughly 120 kilometres north of Nairobi. Authorities said the fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. while about 220 students were asleep inside the dormitory.
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Emergency responders, including the Kenyan Red Cross and local security agencies, rushed to the scene and evacuated survivors.
At least 73 students have been hospitalised with varying degrees of burns and smoke inhalation, while rescue operations and search efforts continued into the morning.
Police sources said the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations have been launched to determine what triggered the deadly blaze.
The affected dormitory has since been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene.
Parents gathered anxiously outside the school as authorities worked to account for all students. Officials have urged calm, assuring that full details will be released once investigations are completed.
The tragedy adds to a troubling history of school dormitory fires in Kenya, where boarding schools remain common.
In previous years, similar incidents have raised serious concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
Government officials are expected to revisit school safety regulations following the latest disaster.
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday following reports of a new United States military strike on Iran, raising fresh concerns over stability in the Middle East and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Brent crude rose significantly in early trading, while West Texas Intermediate also recorded gains as investors reacted to renewed hostilities and uncertainty around the fragile ceasefire in the region.
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According to reports, the latest US action included targeted strikes on Iranian positions following a series of drone and maritime incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military described its operations as “measured and defensive,” aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting strategic interests in the region.
The developments triggered immediate reactions across global financial markets, with Asian stocks mostly declining amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for nearly a fifth of global crude supply.
Market analysts warn that sustained instability could push energy prices even higher, fueling inflationary pressures worldwide and potentially forcing central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies.
In Asia, major indices recorded losses, while tech-driven gains in select markets were overshadowed by broader investor caution. Safe-haven assets strengthened slightly as traders moved away from riskier positions.
Economists say the situation remains highly volatile, with conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran adding to uncertainty.
Any further escalation, they caution, could send oil prices even higher and deepen global economic pressure.
For now, investors are closely watching diplomatic developments and military activity in the region, as the world braces for possible further shocks to energy markets.
The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.
In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.
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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.
However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.
Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.
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