China now has more people aged over 65 than children under 15, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

It is the first time this milestone has been reached since records began more than seven decades ago. The data, based on results of a nationwide sample survey, were released more than a month after China unveiled a new proposal urging cities to integrate youth development into urban planning as authorities strive to reverse the demographic decline.

At least 15.87 per cent of China’s nearly 1.4 billion population was aged at least 65, compared with 15.25 per cent aged between 0 and 14, the data showed.

This means roughly 223.09 million were in the age group of 65 and over. The statistics body found about 321.22 million people were in the age group of 60 and over, accounting for 22.86 per cent of the population.

It found that about 61.89 per cent or 869.87 million of China's population were in the age group of 15-59.

The figures were extrapolated from a November “mini-census”, a nationwide survey covering more than 20 million people.

The data underscore China’s deepening population decline, which the NBS has previously acknowledged poses mounting challenges for the country. According to UN standards, a society is deemed “ageing” when more than 7 per cent of its population is aged 65 or above, and “aged” once that figure exceeds 14 per cent.

Official data showed China's births fell to 7.92 million in 2025, and the birth rate dropped to a record low. China's population decreased by 3.39 million last year, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

China’s birth rates have been declining for decades, driven initially by the “one-child policy” implemented from 1980 to 2015, along with rapid urbanisation.

The country officially ended the policy in 2016, but it resulted in a skewed population due to a cultural preference for male children.

The high cost of childcare, education, job uncertainty, and a slowing economy have discouraged many young Chinese from marrying and starting families, demographers believe. They also point to gender discrimination and traditional expectations for women to manage the household as contributing factors to the declining birthrate.

China last month unveiled a comprehensive blueprint from 15 departments, which sought to deepen "youth-development-oriented cities" with measures covering jobs, housing, healthcare, and public services. The initiative follows Beijing's March announcement to build a "childbirth-friendly society" from 2026 to 2030.

"By 2030, the concept of youth-development-oriented cities will be widely established," the policy said, adding that by 2035, China aims to have formed a "relatively mature and complete system for youth development."

Proposed measures include improving matchmaking and social services, expanding childcare subsidies, and promoting wider coverage of mother-and-baby rooms in public places.

Further provisions involve enhancing maternity and paediatric care, strengthening after-school and holiday childcare, and ensuring more equal school access for migrant workers' children.

China is not alone in facing a demographic crisis; Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are also experiencing population declines due to similar factors, including restrictions on immigration.