China’s Official Population Figures Have Been a Subject of Debate Among Researchers and Analysts
China’s official population figures have been a subject of debate among researchers and analysts. As of the end of 2024, China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported a population of approximately 1.408 billion, marking a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year.
However, some experts question the accuracy of these figures. Fuxian Yi, a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, estimates that China’s population in 2020 was around 1.28 billion, significantly lower than the official count of 1.41 billion. Yi suggests that China’s population has been decreasing since 2018, earlier than officially acknowledged.
Despite these discrepancies, there is no substantial evidence to support claims that China’s population is as low as 400 million to 800 million. Such figures are not corroborated by available data or credible research. While some analysts believe the official numbers may be inflated, the majority of estimates place China’s population well above 1 billion.
It’s also important to note that China’s population is experiencing a decline due to factors such as low birth rates and an aging demographic. For instance, in 2023, the country recorded 9.02 million births against 11.1 million deaths, resulting in a population decrease of approximately 2.08 million.
In summary, while debates continue regarding the precise size of China’s population, most credible estimates suggest a figure exceeding 1 billion. Claims of a population between 400 million and 800 million lack substantial supporting evidence.
