New research suggests China's economic future may not be bright because of the country's aging population and its low fertility rates.
Business Insider cites data compiled by HSBC global economist James Pomeroy that shows China's older citizens will stall economic growth and put a higher strain on government spending.
The country's median age is projected to be above 40 eight years from now, and Pomeroy writes it may be another 10+ years later before China becomes a rich nation.
Russia and several eastern European countries could face similar plights, Pomeroy concludes.
The fertility rate for China and Russia is about the same, at around 1.6 births per woman, according to the HSBC data.
An International Business Times story this week referenced data that demonstrated China's economy, the second largest in the world behind the United States, is still in the midst of a slowdown period.
A Wall Street Journal story in January said China's economy is growing at its slowest rate in 25 years.
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