Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: China’s unprecedented demographic transition, marked by declining fertility rates, population aging, and negative growth, poses systemic risks to its economic sustainability and social stability. This paper examines the multidimensional linkages between demographic shifts and economic systems. By analyzing China’s labor market contraction, pension deficits, healthcare financing pressures, and intergenerational inequality, the study reveals how these challenges are interconnected and exacerbated by institutional inertia. Drawing comparative insights from other countries, the paper proposes a holistic policy framework including labor market reforms to promote flexible employment, pension system restructures, and family support ecosystems featuring subsidized childcare and gender-inclusive parental leave. Additionally, healthcare financing innovations such as preventive care integration are urged to address aging-related costs. The findings emphasize the urgency of transitioning from a ‘demographic dividend’ reliance to a quality-driven development model, ensuring equitable resource allocation across generations and regions. This research contributes actionable strategies for policymakers to navigate China’s dual challenges of low fertility and rapid aging while fostering sustainable population governance.
Author: Shihan Yang
Institution: University of International Relations
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410508797