A Reevaluation of Mainland China`s Demographic Trends

Abstract

Mainland China`s population problem is often treated in terms of one or two aspects. I contend that this is not an appropriate approach to a problem that is complex and multifaceted. The paper therefore attempts a multifaceted analysis of contemporary Chinese demographic trends. It examines both the dynamics and characteristics of the population. In so doing, we note that while there has been significant improvement in mainland China’s fertility, mortality, and migration rates, as well as in education, employment, and national wealth, new demographic challenges have also emerged-ironically enough because of these changes.