China faces a second consecutive annual population decline, with 2.75 million fewer people in 2023 due to a sharp drop in births and COVID-19 fatalities post-lockdown. This exacerbates economic challenges, stemming from a prolonged decline in birth rates, rising unemployment, falling wages, and a property sector crisis. With youth unemployment at record highs, China's growth prospects dim, prompting concerns about a shrinking workforce and consumer base, while elderly care costs strain local governments. As India surpasses China in population, geopolitical tensions heighten, leading to debates about relocating supply chains. Read The Rest at :