Against the backdrop of a profound transformation in China’s demographic structure and social development entering a new stage, population issues have increasingly become the core of public discussion and policymaking.

Recently, Ms. Sally Wu, host of Phoenix TV’s Mainland Q&A, interviewed Professor Peng Xizhe, Dean of the Fudan Institute of Ageing and Executive Vice Dean of the Fudan Development Institute. In the serene atmosphere of a senior care community, they engaged in a deep exchange regarding China’s demographic trends and their broader social implications.

Peng Xizhe pointed out that China currently faces multiple challenges, including a persistently low fertility rate, deepening population aging, and adjustments in the labor force structure. These changes not only affect the sustainability of economic growth but also profoundly impact social security, educational resource allocation, and family structures.

Peng emphasized the importance of understanding population issues from a long-term developmental perspective, cautioning against simplifying the matter into a mere question of numerical increase or decrease. He noted that demographic transition is essentially an inevitable outcome of economic and social development reaching a certain stage. The key lies in achieving structural adaptation through institutional optimization and policy adjustment, rather than relying on short-term stimulus.

Meanwhile, greater emphasis should be placed on improving population quality and human capital accumulation. By refining education, healthcare, and social security systems, society can enhance its collective capacity to respond to demographic shifts.

Translated by Yongjia LIN

Full text in Chinese available at:

https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/d5/80/c18965a775552/page.htm