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Jan. 17, 2023, 10:39 p.m.

Top stories! China population decline + News wrap 1/18/23 + Student video

Summary

The world’s most populous country hit a historic turning point. China announced its first population decline in six decades with 850,000 fewer people at the end of last year than in 2021. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Mei Fong joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the cause of the decline and what it could mean for the global economy. For a transcript of this story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who is interviewed for this story, and what is her background?
  • When did China's population begin to decrease?
  • Why is China's population decreasing?
  • What might some of the effects be on China's economy and future if the population decreases?
  • How can China's shrinking population affect other countries, according to this story?

Focus Questions

  1. Why do you think the population of China should concern people in the U.S.? Do you think a similar demographic challenge could affect the United States?
  2. Media literacy : Who might you want to hear from to better understand what Chinese citizens think about a declining population?
  3. Optional, if short on time : See, Think, Wonder: What do you notice? What does the story make you think? What do you want to find out more about?

For More

What students can do : Check out the latest segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you're most interested in watching! You can start by reading the summary here : In the latest broadcast of the NewsHour, China's population decreases for the first time in 60 years, highlighting a demographic crisis that could alter the global economy. A Republican candidate who lost his election is arrested for orchestrating shootings targeting Democratic officials in New Mexico. Plus, victims of human trafficking in Nepal who were forced to sell their organs share their harrowing stories. You can make a Google doc copy of our Five Facts and discussion questions that work for any of these stories here .

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