China, which currently holds the world’s second-largest population with over 1.4 billion people, may see that number shrink to 525 million by the year 2100.⁠ ⁠ The significant decline in population could impact the nation’s economy and, consequently, the global economy, according to analysts. Victoria University senior researcher Peng Xiujian predicts that the trend may reduce consumer spending in China while simultaneously increasing wages and government expenditure.⁠ ⁠ However, other analysts view the population decline as an opportunity to address environmental and resource challenges. The United Nations projects a global population of 8.9 to 12.4 billion by 2100 based on various trends.⁠ ⁠ The recent trend of more deaths than births in China contributes to the projection. Various factors, including the nation’s urbanization and previous one-child policy, have contributed to declining births for decades. But in recent years, demographic and economic challenges, such as an aging work...