China reports 18-year marriage low, raising birth concerns

China's Ministry of Civil Affairs reported 4.65 million marriage registrations for January through September 2026, the lowest nine-month figure in 18 years. The total was down 504,000, or 9.8%, from the same stretch a year earlier. In that period 2.08 million divorces were also registered. The figures were released on Wednesday. Demographer He Yafu said the data indicate annual marriage registrations are likely to fall again in 2026. Childbirth in China remains closely linked to marriage, so the drop has raised concern about future births. In 2025 the country recorded 7.92 million births, a 17% decline from 9.54 million in 2024, and the birth rate fell to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949. Population decreased by 3.39 million that year to approximately 1.405 billion, the fourth consecutive annual decline. The number of women aged 15-49 is projected to fall below 100 million by the end of the century.