Editorial: China’s Demographic Trend Can’t Be Reversed, but Can Be Managed

China’s demographic issue has continued to draw attention and arouse heated debate. According to the latest population data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s population saw a net increase of 480,000 in 2021, with a natural growth rate as low as 0.34 per thousand. Soon afterward, the National Health Commission convened a press conference regarding the low fertility rate. As a basic factor for economic and social development, it is only natural that this issue has become a topic of wide concern. Demographic change is a long-term process, and once the fertility rate drops, it is extremely difficult to reverse it. However, targeted policies can be developed, and governments at all levels can take action to manage the trend.