Marriage registrations in China fell 6.2% year on year ​in the first quarter and are ‌about half 2017 levels, official data show, underscoring the demographic strain in a ​country where childbearing remains closely tied ​to marriage.

China recorded 1.697 million marriage ⁠registrations in the quarter, the ​Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Saturday.

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The ​figures are the latest sign of China’s deepening demographic challenges.

China’s population fell for a fourth ​consecutive year in 2025, while its ​birth rate dropped to a record low, prompting ‌warnings ⁠from demographers of further decline.

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