China says population grew last year, refuting Financial Times report of first decline in nearly 60 years
- The Financial Times reported earlier this week that the latest census figures were expected to show nation’s population slipping to less than 1.4 billion
- A drop in China’s population would be the first since a two-year decline in 1960-61 due to the impact of the Great Famine
China’s population continued to grow last year, authorities said on Thursday, refuting an earlier media report that suggested it could fall for the first time in nearly 60 years.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a short statement that China’s population kept growing in 2020, and detailed data would be released in the upcoming seventh population census results.
China’s population continued to grow in 2020, and specific data will be released in the seventh national census communique
“China’s population continued to grow in 2020, and specific data will be released in the seventh national census communique,” said NBS statement said.
A drop in China’s population would be the first since a two-year decline in 1960-61 due to the impact of the Great Famine. The population fell by around 10 million in 1960 and a further 3.4 million in 1961 before rebounding by 14.4 million in 1962, according to official figures.
Chinese ministries have used the 1.4 billion population figure since 2018.
