Rapidly ageing population is the biggest problem for China

Washington: The outbreak of Corona and the ‘Zero Covid Policy’ adopted by President Xi Jinping have terribly affected the Chinese economy. Thus, the Chinese economy may grow only by 3% this year. Subsequently, the country may not be able to achieve the target of a 5.5 per cent growth rate this year set by the Chinese government.

Besides, this marks China’s second worst performance in the last 40 years. Before this, China’s economy worsened in 2020 when the Coronavirus was spreading. But the declining economy due to Corona is not China’s biggest challenge. China’s problem is even direr. A declining youth population, a growing number of older people, and a declining birth rate are emerging as China’s more pressing problems.

Moreover, famous American columnist Doyle McManus has pointed out the terrible problem China has been facing. Unemployment in China has risen by about 20 per cent. China’s economy is suffering the adverse effects of fuel prices due to the war in Ukraine. China has put its economy at risk by building too many houses without considering the demand. Meanwhile, China’s manufacturing sector has been affected due to President Xi Jinping’s Zero Covid policy. Despite all these challenges, McManus claimed that China’s shrinking youth and ageing population is the country’s biggest issue.

By the end of this century, China’s population will drop from 1.4 billion to 80 crore. McManus pointed out that some experts claim China’s population will decrease even faster. By 2050, 25 percent of China’s population will be over 65 years old. Because of this, China’s growth rate will remain around three per cent for the next three decades. McManus reminded that the conclusion was recorded in the report of Australia’s Lowy Institute. The most important thing is that China’s leaders have failed to realize that their country is in decline, claims McManus.

Hence, McManus pointed out the Chinese regime may adopt a more aggressive policy in the future. Due to this reason, China is ready to take the risk of war by provoking disputes with almost all of its neighbouring countries. Analysts have warned that China’s leaders have realized that they have to make all these moves before their power diminishes. McManus also cited this conclusion he had drawn.

This may lead China to adopt a more aggressive policy toward Taiwan in the future. It may even risk war with America. Therefore, although China’s power is declining, this country will not change the world’s challenges. Only its form will change, McManus claimed.