China’s ageing population: A demographic crisis is unfolding for Xi

Beijing has been pressuring private firms to build daycare centres, wards and other age-care infrastructure to shore up gaps left by indebted local governments. But will they continue to invest if profits are far off?

Other East Asian countries such as Japan are also searching for funds to care for large numbers of elderly. But Japan was already wealthy by the time it had one of the world’s largest ageing populations.

China, however, is ageing fast without that cushion. So, many older people are forced to make their own way – at an age when they should be planning their retirement.

Laura Bicker

Read full article by Laura Bicker in BBC