China's old-age dependency ratio overtakes children for first time

HONG KONG, Oct ‌28 - China ​is ​now supporting more people aged 65 and above than children, underscoring the impact ‌of its rapidly ageing population and a declining ⁠birth rate.

• Data from China's National Bureau of Statistics ‌showed the old-age dependency ratio — ‌the non-working-age population compared to the working-age population — was 23.1% in 2025, compared with 22% for children, ​Chinese state-affiliated media Yicai reported

• The ratio has risen steadily over the years, up from ⁠15% in 2016 to more than 20% in 2021

• There are ​now more than 223 million people in China aged 65 and above compared with ​around 213 million children aged ‌14 and under, the data showed

• China's population fell for a fourth ⁠straight year in 2025, as its birth rate dropped to a record low

• The country's birth rate has ⁠been falling for decades, a result of the one-child policy in ​place from 1980 to 2015, as well as rapid urbanisation

• Authorities have rolled out a range of measures to encourage ‌marriage and childbearing, including family subsidies, childcare support, and reduced childbirth-related medical ‌costs

• They have also pledged to make urban life ⁠more supportive for young ‌people, children and ​families

(Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Kate ‌Mayberry)

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