How significant is the decline in marriage rates in China and what are the demographic trends?

China is experiencing an alarming demographic crisis with marriage rates falling by a record 20% in 2024. This sharp decline represents the most severe drop in marriages the country has seen, contributing to broader population concerns. The impact extends beyond just marriages, as the country's population has now decreased for three consecutive years through 2024. These dual trends of plummeting marriage rates and declining population highlight the severity of China's demographic challenges, prompting the government to implement various incentives to encourage marriage and childbearing.