Posted 1/17/2024, 3:45:00 AM
China's Population Drops Again Amid Low Birth Rates, But Hits Economic Growth Target Despite COVID Curbs
- China's population declined for the 2nd straight year, falling by 2.08 million in 2023 to 1.41 billion
- Birth rates hit new low of 6.39 per thousand in 2023 as country faces aging population
- GDP rose 5.2% in Q4 2023, allowing China to hit annual target of around 5% growth
- Growth was still one of China's weakest in 30+ years amid COVID curbs and property slump
- Officials set to announce 2024 economic targets in March, but recovery expected to remain bumpy