For the straight 16th month, the property market in China saw a slump in home prices, as widespread covid outbreaks “complicated” efforts to rescue the sector that has for months witnessed a steady fall.&nbsp;

As per a Bloomberg report, 70 cities across China saw a 0.25 per cent decline in the prices of new homes. As per National Bureau of Statistics figures, November also saw a similar slump. 2022 as a whole saw prices drop by 2.3 per cent. This figure excludes state-subsidised housing.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 50 million homes are empty in China

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For the pre-owned housing market, the slump was worse at 0.48 per cent in December. In November, the prices fell by 0.44 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/build-pause-demolish-repeat-china-to-demolish-buildings-that-could-accommodate-75-million-people-515567">'Build, pause, demolish, repeat': China to demolish buildings that could accommodate 75 million people</a>

The decline, as per the report, comes even as Beijing introduced a sweeping plan to rescue the housing industry and pledged financial aid for cash-strapped developers.

Also read |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zero-covid-a-crumbling-real-estate-market-and-more-chinese-economy-and-the-challenges-it-faces-522534">Zero-Covid, a crumbling real estate market and more: Chinese economy and the challenges it faces</a>

Additionally, the country has also taken steps to stimulate homebuyer demand. However, following the sudden scrapping of the nation’s stringent zero-Covid measures, the large-scale COVID-19 outbreaks, and high numbers of cases, have severely affected confidence among businesses and customers.

The Bloomberg report suggests that lowering borrowing costs for homebuyers may help boost demand, adding that “it’s unclear whether such steps are enough to revive a market that has seen sales drop since mid-2021. “ A recent China Index Holdings survey of prospective buyers in 100 major cities shows that prices will continue to fall in 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the straight 16th month, the property market in China saw a slump in home prices, as widespread covid outbreaks “complicated” efforts to rescue the sector that has for months witnessed a steady fall.

For the straight 16th month, the property market in China saw a slump in home prices, as widespread covid outbreaks “complicated” efforts to rescue the sector that has for months witnessed a steady fall. As per a Bloomberg report, 70 cities across China saw a 0.25 per cent decline in the prices of new homes. As per National Bureau of Statistics figures, November also saw a similar slump. 2022 as a whole saw prices drop by 2.3 per cent. This figure excludes state-subsidised housing. Watch | Gravitas: 50 million homes are empty in China For the pre-owned housing market, the slump was worse at 0.48 per cent in December. In November, the prices fell by 0.44 per cent. Also read | 'Build, pause, demolish, repeat': China to demolish buildings that could accommodate 75 million people The decline, as per the report, comes even as Beijing introduced a sweeping plan to rescue the housing industry and pledged financial aid for cash-strapped developers. Also read | Zero-Covid, a crumbling real estate market and more: Chinese economy and the challenges it faces Additionally, the country has also taken steps to stimulate homebuyer demand. However, following the sudden scrapping of the nation’s stringent zero-Covid measures, the large-scale COVID-19 outbreaks, and high numbers of cases, have severely affected confidence among businesses and customers. The Bloomberg report suggests that lowering borrowing costs for homebuyers may help boost demand, adding that “it’s unclear whether such steps are enough to revive a market that has seen sales drop since mid-2021. “ A recent China Index Holdings survey of prospective buyers in 100 major cities shows that prices will continue to fall in 2023. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's housing market witnesses a slump for the 16th month

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy.

The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China.

Watch |&nbsp;China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives

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As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China.

Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-years-of-covid-was-his-entire-life-in-china-child-dies-due-to-lockdown-rules-father-offered-hush-money-530653">'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money</a>

Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds."

This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months.

Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-hitting-a-six-month-high-china-reports-over-3000-covid-cases-531440">COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases</a>

Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes.&nbsp;

With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion.

Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.&nbsp;

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light.

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy. The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China. Watch | China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China. Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action. Also read | '3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds." This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months. Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon." Also read | COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes. With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion. Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.

No relief for the people: China to 'unswervingly' stick to its zero-COVID policy, says health official

The death of a three-year-old in China has sparked outrage over social media after the boy's father blamed the nation's strict COVID-19 policies for "indirectly" killing his son.

Official records state that the child died of carbon monoxide poisoning, however, speaking to Reuters, the father Tuo Shilei said, "I personally think that he was indirectly killed."&nbsp;

Shilei recalled that around midday on Tuesday, his wife slipped and fell, affected by gas fumes while cooking. Soon, he noticed that his young son too has been affected.

Watch | Gravitas: Chinese workers jump fences to escape lockdown

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They are residents of Gansu province, which has for months been under lockdown.

He tried to call for an ambulance but was unable to get through. In just 30 minutes Wenxuan's condition worsened and after performing CPR Tuo rushed him to his community compound's entrance. However, due to the strict lockdown, staff at the gate didn't allow him to go through telling him to call neighbourhood authorities or an ambulance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frustrated-chinese-turn-to-popular-indian-song-to-mock-beijings-zero-covid-policy-530094">'Jimmy Jimmy': Chinese turn to popular Indian song to mock zero-Covid policy</a>

Faced with the barrier, the frantic father crashed through the gate, and thanks to some "kind-hearted" people got a taxi to the hospital. However, on the way, they faced another checkpoint, which caused further delay and the child died.

"There was the COVID situation at the checkpoint. The staff did not act, and then ignored and avoided the problem, and then we were blocked by another checkpoint," said Tuo, adding, "No help was provided. This series of events caused the death of my child."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-foxconn-denies-reports-of-staff-deaths-calls-viral-video-malicious-530220">Did Foxconn staff die due to Covid lockdown? Video claims so, firm issues denial</a>

On China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, the incident and the hashtag "Three years of COVID was his entire life" has created a storm&nbsp;and 380 million people read what happened before posts were taken down.

Tuo claims that he was contacted by someone claiming to be a retired local official who offered him 100,000 yuan ($13,743) to keep mum about his son's death. However, the father said he rejected the offer, adding that he demands an explanation for his toddler's death.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The death of a three-year-old in China has sparked outrage over social media after the boy's father blamed the nation's strict COVID-19 policies for "indirectly" killing his son.

The death of a three-year-old in China has sparked outrage over social media after the boy's father blamed the nation's strict COVID-19 policies for "indirectly" killing his son. Official records state that the child died of carbon monoxide poisoning, however, speaking to Reuters, the father Tuo Shilei said, "I personally think that he was indirectly killed." Shilei recalled that around midday on Tuesday, his wife slipped and fell, affected by gas fumes while cooking. Soon, he noticed that his young son too has been affected. Watch | Gravitas: Chinese workers jump fences to escape lockdown They are residents of Gansu province, which has for months been under lockdown. He tried to call for an ambulance but was unable to get through. In just 30 minutes Wenxuan's condition worsened and after performing CPR Tuo rushed him to his community compound's entrance. However, due to the strict lockdown, staff at the gate didn't allow him to go through telling him to call neighbourhood authorities or an ambulance. Also read | 'Jimmy Jimmy': Chinese turn to popular Indian song to mock zero-Covid policy Faced with the barrier, the frantic father crashed through the gate, and thanks to some "kind-hearted" people got a taxi to the hospital. However, on the way, they faced another checkpoint, which caused further delay and the child died. "There was the COVID situation at the checkpoint. The staff did not act, and then ignored and avoided the problem, and then we were blocked by another checkpoint," said Tuo, adding, "No help was provided. This series of events caused the death of my child." Also read | Did Foxconn staff die due to Covid lockdown? Video claims so, firm issues denial On China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, the incident and the hashtag "Three years of COVID was his entire life" has created a storm and 380 million people read what happened before posts were taken down. Tuo claims that he was contacted by someone claiming to be a retired local official who offered him 100,000 yuan ($13,743) to keep mum about his son's death. However, the father said he rejected the offer, adding that he demands an explanation for his toddler's death. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money

As China gears up for its party congress, President Xi Jinping is facing one of the worst headwinds for the Asian giant's economy. As the global economy faces the looming danger of recession, China is also slowing down. The nation narrowly avoided contraction in the April to June quarter. With figures for July- September quarter expected next week, it is predicted that Beijing's goal of a 5.5 per cent annual growth rate will remain unmet. Ahead of the Communist Party congress, officials too have downplayed the need to meet the target.

As per a BBC report, economists are not expecting any growth. While the nation's economy might have&nbsp;escaped the steep inflation plaguing the US and the UK, it is facing its own slew of problems. Here's how China's economy is in trouble:

1. A property market in crisis

China's property market, which accounts for one-third of the nation's GDP, is facing its biggest crisis, with the situation going from bad to worse. A faltering, debt-ridden real estate market has led to "ghost cities" with housing that could accommodate more than 75 million people sitting empty.

To revive the slumping market, Beijing as per reports has undertaken a "build, pause, demolish, repeat" policy.

As per a Telegraph report, in recent years approximately three billion square metres of housing in the world's second-largest economy have been paused and/or demolished.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/build-pause-demolish-repeat-china-to-demolish-buildings-that-could-accommodate-75-million-people-515567">'Build, pause, demolish, repeat': China to demolish buildings that could accommodate 75 million people</a>

2. Zero-Covid: A China-specific economic slowdown

When the globe was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world took steps to protect their citizens and prevent fatalities. China's "Zero-Covid" strategy to combat the coronavirus has left its economy crippled.

Stringent lockdowns in several cities including the manufacturing hubs like Shenzen and Tianjin have had an incredibly detrimental effect.&nbsp;

As per Reuters, while exports remained a major driver this year, China's Assistant Commerce Minister Li Fei has warned that the nation's foreign trade faces unfavourable factors like a weakening external demand.

Snap lockdowns have further dampened consumer enthusiasm and business confidence.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 50 million homes are empty in China

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3. What the government is(n't) doing:

Even after 2.5 years of Zero-Covid, authorities have done little to ease covid curbs.&nbsp;

While Beijing announced a 1 trillion yuan ($203 billion) plan to boost small businesses, infrastructure and the real estate market in August, as per BBC, so much more could be done.&nbsp;

Investment in infrastructure, a loosening of credit requirements for homebuyers, builders, and local government, as well as tax cuts for households, are some things the administration can do.

4. The dismal state of the job market:

A slowing economy owing to the stringent Covid curbs, a huge number of graduates and a dearth of prospects are plaguing China's job market.

The nation's slowing economy has left millions of youngsters facing fierce competition for an ever-slimming raft of jobs and facing an increasingly uncertain future, reports AFP.

As per official data in July, one in five young people in Chinese cities was out of work. This is more than three times the national average and the highest recorded in four years, since January 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-all-set-to-usurp-mao-era-chairman-post-for-self-at-upcoming-party-congress-522252" hreflang="en">China’s Xi all set to usurp Mao-era ‘Chairman’ post at upcoming party congress: Report</a>

5. Climate woes:

Climate change too is negatively affecting China's economy. In August, the nation's central belt faced a severe heatwave, followed by a drought. High demand for air conditioning caused the electricity grid to be overwhelmed, impacting China's industry.

6. Falling investment:

With the Covid curbs already lasting 2.5 years, foreign businesses in China have been hit. In September, the European Union's Chamber of Commerce warned that the nation's Zero-covid policy is crippling European businesses.

It reported that the "massive uncertainty" surrounding curbs have impacted 75 per cent of its member's operations. The situation has prompted nearly a quarter of European firms to consider a shift of current and future investments out of China added the Chamber. This is the highest percentage in the past decade.

Nearly 11 million graduates entered China's bleak job market this summer, with the economy growing at 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest in two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As China gears up for its party congress, President Xi Jinping is facing one of the worst headwinds for the Asian giant's economy. As the global economy faces the looming danger of recession, China is also slowing down.

As China gears up for its party congress, President Xi Jinping is facing one of the worst headwinds for the Asian giant's economy. As the global economy faces the looming danger of recession, China is also slowing down. The nation narrowly avoided contraction in the April to June quarter. With figures for July- September quarter expected next week, it is predicted that Beijing's goal of a 5.5 per cent annual growth rate will remain unmet. Ahead of the Communist Party congress, officials too have downplayed the need to meet the target. As per a BBC report, economists are not expecting any growth. While the nation's economy might have escaped the steep inflation plaguing the US and the UK, it is facing its own slew of problems. Here's how China's economy is in trouble: 1. A property market in crisis China's property market, which accounts for one-third of the nation's GDP, is facing its biggest crisis, with the situation going from bad to worse. A faltering, debt-ridden real estate market has led to "ghost cities" with housing that could accommodate more than 75 million people sitting empty. To revive the slumping market, Beijing as per reports has undertaken a "build, pause, demolish, repeat" policy. As per a Telegraph report, in recent years approximately three billion square metres of housing in the world's second-largest economy have been paused and/or demolished. Also read | 'Build, pause, demolish, repeat': China to demolish buildings that could accommodate 75 million people 2. Zero-Covid: A China-specific economic slowdown When the globe was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world took steps to protect their citizens and prevent fatalities. China's "Zero-Covid" strategy to combat the coronavirus has left its economy crippled. Stringent lockdowns in several cities including the manufacturing hubs like Shenzen and Tianjin have had an incredibly detrimental effect. As per Reuters, while exports remained a major driver this year, China's Assistant Commerce Minister Li Fei has warned that the nation's foreign trade faces unfavourable factors like a weakening external demand. Snap lockdowns have further dampened consumer enthusiasm and business confidence. Watch | Gravitas: 50 million homes are empty in China 3. What the government is(n't) doing: Even after 2.5 years of Zero-Covid, authorities have done little to ease covid curbs. While Beijing announced a 1 trillion yuan ($203 billion) plan to boost small businesses, infrastructure and the real estate market in August, as per BBC, so much more could be done. Investment in infrastructure, a loosening of credit requirements for homebuyers, builders, and local government, as well as tax cuts for households, are some things the administration can do. 4. The dismal state of the job market: A slowing economy owing to the stringent Covid curbs, a huge number of graduates and a dearth of prospects are plaguing China's job market. The nation's slowing economy has left millions of youngsters facing fierce competition for an ever-slimming raft of jobs and facing an increasingly uncertain future, reports AFP. As per official data in July, one in five young people in Chinese cities was out of work. This is more than three times the national average and the highest recorded in four years, since January 2018. Also read | China’s Xi all set to usurp Mao-era ‘Chairman’ post at upcoming party congress: Report 5. Climate woes: Climate change too is negatively affecting China's economy. In August, the nation's central belt faced a severe heatwave, followed by a drought. High demand for air conditioning caused the electricity grid to be overwhelmed, impacting China's industry. 6. Falling investment: With the Covid curbs already lasting 2.5 years, foreign businesses in China have been hit. In September, the European Union's Chamber of Commerce warned that the nation's Zero-covid policy is crippling European businesses. It reported that the "massive uncertainty" surrounding curbs have impacted 75 per cent of its member's operations. The situation has prompted nearly a quarter of European firms to consider a shift of current and future investments out of China added the Chamber. This is the highest percentage in the past decade. Nearly 11 million graduates entered China's bleak job market this summer, with the economy growing at 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest in two years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zero-Covid, a crumbling real estate market and more: Chinese economy and the challenges it faces

Many economies around the world have beaten covid-19 blues charging a path of growth but China's economy is still weighed down by strict implementation of Covid-19 rules.

Zero-covid strategy proves costly for China

Chinese pork prices rose to a record high in August, forcing the government to use the nation's meat reserves for the first time this year to secure supplies for the holidays.

Last month, prices for pork in China increased on average by 22.5% compared to the same period in 2017. It came after the largest recorded month-over-month increase of 25.6% in July, when the CPI also reached a two-year high of 2.7%. Despite an unexpected drop in CPI inflation to 2.5%, August's increase nonetheless took place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-built-lotus-tower-in-sri-lanka-all-set-to-open-this-week-515673">China</a> is the largest consumer of pork in the world, and as part of a crucial stabilisation strategy, the government of the nation keeps a frozen "reserve" supply in hand.

The authorities announced they were releasing some reserves for the first time before the mid-autumn festival last weekend and China's upcoming National Day on 1 October, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;

The government reserve is kept to assure supply and price stability, and the staple meat is the food item that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pessimism-over-german-economy-grows-recession-inevitable-for-germany-515794">economists</a> weight the most strongly when calculating the country's consumer price index. Following a nationwide outbreak of African swine disease in 2019, pork prices reached a record high.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-complete-disengagement-from-last-friction-point-in-eastern-ladakh-report-515819">India, China complete disengagement from last friction point in eastern Ladakh: Report</a>

High demand during the holiday season, high feed prices, and the lingering effects of the reduction in breeding stocks last year are all blamed for the latest increase. Some said that people were preparing more meals at home. Several Covid outbreaks have made it difficult for Chinese citizens to travel, and some had been placed in lockdown.

Additionally, several producers were charged with hoarding stock and causing a supply shortage.

The National Development and Reform Commission of China warned farmers in July against a "irrational reluctance to sell," warning that keeping pigs to fatten them up or wait for better prices could cause shortages in the short term but also result in a glut in the future.

An ongoing government "dynamic zero" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shashi-tharoor-loses-cool-as-tucker-carlson-says-britain-civilised-india-515842">Covid</a> policy, which has resulted in abrupt and arbitrary lockdowns or mobility restrictions across the nation, has severely harmed China's economy. The lockdowns were partly to blame for the slower increase in consumer prices last month, which occurred as food prices increased 6.1% on an annual basis in August after increasing 6.3% in July.

WATCH WION live TV here:&nbsp;

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Chinese pork prices rose to a record high in August, forcing the government to use the nation's meat reserves for the first time this year to secure supplies for the holidays.

Chinese pork prices rose to a record high in August, forcing the government to use the nation's meat reserves for the first time this year to secure supplies for the holidays. Last month, prices for pork in China increased on average by 22.5% compared to the same period in 2017. It came after the largest recorded month-over-month increase of 25.6% in July, when the CPI also reached a two-year high of 2.7%. Despite an unexpected drop in CPI inflation to 2.5%, August's increase nonetheless took place. China is the largest consumer of pork in the world, and as part of a crucial stabilisation strategy, the government of the nation keeps a frozen "reserve" supply in hand. The authorities announced they were releasing some reserves for the first time before the mid-autumn festival last weekend and China's upcoming National Day on 1 October, as reported by the Guardian. The government reserve is kept to assure supply and price stability, and the staple meat is the food item that economists weight the most strongly when calculating the country's consumer price index. Following a nationwide outbreak of African swine disease in 2019, pork prices reached a record high. Also read | India, China complete disengagement from last friction point in eastern Ladakh: Report High demand during the holiday season, high feed prices, and the lingering effects of the reduction in breeding stocks last year are all blamed for the latest increase. Some said that people were preparing more meals at home. Several Covid outbreaks have made it difficult for Chinese citizens to travel, and some had been placed in lockdown. Additionally, several producers were charged with hoarding stock and causing a supply shortage. The National Development and Reform Commission of China warned farmers in July against a "irrational reluctance to sell," warning that keeping pigs to fatten them up or wait for better prices could cause shortages in the short term but also result in a glut in the future. An ongoing government "dynamic zero" Covid policy, which has resulted in abrupt and arbitrary lockdowns or mobility restrictions across the nation, has severely harmed China's economy. The lockdowns were partly to blame for the slower increase in consumer prices last month, which occurred as food prices increased 6.1% on an annual basis in August after increasing 6.3% in July. WATCH WION live TV here:

Chinese pork prices hit an all-time high, spark government action

A new survey has revealed that Chinese women are either delaying or are not willing to have babies due to the stringent zero-COVID strategy implemented by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The CCP censored the hashtag "we are the last generation" when it briefly went viral on Chinese social media during April-May lockdown.

Highlighting how the pandemic and economic uncertainty historically weigh on birth rates around the world, the survey shows that China's uncompromising "zero-COVID" policy caused profound damage to women's desire to have children.

The demographers who conducted the survey say that they witnessed several accounts of people losing income or not having access to healthcare or food.

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Not only this, authorities forcefully entered their homes to take them to quarantine centres during the lockdown and this feeling of losing control over their lives had major consequences on parenthood goals.

Pointing to the millions of deaths around the world compared to only 5,226 officially reported in China since the start of the pandemic, authorities have repeatedly said zero-COVID is necessary to save lives.

China's population of 1.4 billion may start to decline as early as next year, according to a prediction made by the United Nations in July.

With women citing financial insecurity and unsubstantiated worries about COVID vaccines affecting foetuses, the pandemic had a long-term impact on first births as per a different UN report.

Drooping below 10 million from last year's 10.6 million babies, new births are set to fall to record lows this year.

Some places in China have published worrying statistics in recent weeks even though official population data is not expected until early next year.

In the first six months of 2022, the birth rate in Henan fell 9.5 per cent year-on-year and saw a 26 per cent drop in Jiaozhou. As a result, the revenue of formula maker Ausnutria Dairy, diaper producer Aiyingshi, and Goodbaby plummeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new survey has revealed that Chinese women are either delaying or are not willing to have babies due to the stringent zero-COVID strategy implemented by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

A new survey has revealed that Chinese women are either delaying or are not willing to have babies due to the stringent zero-COVID strategy implemented by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP censored the hashtag "we are the last generation" when it briefly went viral on Chinese social media during April-May lockdown. Highlighting how the pandemic and economic uncertainty historically weigh on birth rates around the world, the survey shows that China's uncompromising "zero-COVID" policy caused profound damage to women's desire to have children. The demographers who conducted the survey say that they witnessed several accounts of people losing income or not having access to healthcare or food. × Not only this, authorities forcefully entered their homes to take them to quarantine centres during the lockdown and this feeling of losing control over their lives had major consequences on parenthood goals. Pointing to the millions of deaths around the world compared to only 5,226 officially reported in China since the start of the pandemic, authorities have repeatedly said zero-COVID is necessary to save lives. China's population of 1.4 billion may start to decline as early as next year, according to a prediction made by the United Nations in July. With women citing financial insecurity and unsubstantiated worries about COVID vaccines affecting foetuses, the pandemic had a long-term impact on first births as per a different UN report. Drooping below 10 million from last year's 10.6 million babies, new births are set to fall to record lows this year. Some places in China have published worrying statistics in recent weeks even though official population data is not expected until early next year. In the first six months of 2022, the birth rate in Henan fell 9.5 per cent year-on-year and saw a 26 per cent drop in Jiaozhou. As a result, the revenue of formula maker Ausnutria Dairy, diaper producer Aiyingshi, and Goodbaby plummeted. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Survey reveals unwillingness of Chinese women to have babies due to zero-COVID strategy ordeal

Taiwan reported the first death of an infant due to COVID-19 in the New Taipei region.

Doctors said the two-year-old boy died due to brain stem encephalitis which was triggered by the virus as the country continues to battle the pandemic.

Taiwan's health minister had warned earlier this month that coronavirus cases could hit 1,000 a day even as the country reported over 1,600 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-data-hints-at-cost-of-zero-covid-strategy-471860">Also Read:&nbsp;China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy</a>

Taiwan has reported most COVID-19 cases in New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Keelung located in the northern region. The country has recorded&nbsp;854 COVID-19&nbsp;in the past two years even as health minister Chen Shih-chung claimed the "scale of the pandemic is very large".

Several cities have started home quarantine amid surging COVID-19 cases as the country battles the second wave.

Watch: Shanghai prepares to ease lockdown amid surging COVID-19 cases

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The COVID-19 cases began to rise in mid-March and&nbsp;recently hit 1,000 daily cases worrying health officials in the country.

Amid the rising number of cases, Taiwan's health minister had said the country will move away from its&nbsp; "zero-Covid"&nbsp;strategy as it prepares to combat the virus.

Taiwan had mostly closed its borders and kept the virus under check for the past two years while keeping its economic activity in shape although it had imposed social distancing measures last year as COVID-19 cases surged in the country.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taiwan reported the first death of an infant due to COVID-19 in the New Taipei region. Doctors said the two-year-old boy died due to brain stem encephalitis which was triggered by the virus as the country continues to battle the pandemic.

Taiwan reported the first death of an infant due to COVID-19 in the New Taipei region. Doctors said the two-year-old boy died due to brain stem encephalitis which was triggered by the virus as the country continues to battle the pandemic. Taiwan's health minister had warned earlier this month that coronavirus cases could hit 1,000 a day even as the country reported over 1,600 on Tuesday. Also Read: China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy Taiwan has reported most COVID-19 cases in New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Keelung located in the northern region. The country has recorded 854 COVID-19 in the past two years even as health minister Chen Shih-chung claimed the "scale of the pandemic is very large". Several cities have started home quarantine amid surging COVID-19 cases as the country battles the second wave. Watch: Shanghai prepares to ease lockdown amid surging COVID-19 cases The COVID-19 cases began to rise in mid-March and recently hit 1,000 daily cases worrying health officials in the country. Amid the rising number of cases, Taiwan's health minister had said the country will move away from its "zero-Covid" strategy as it prepares to combat the virus. Taiwan had mostly closed its borders and kept the virus under check for the past two years while keeping its economic activity in shape although it had imposed social distancing measures last year as COVID-19 cases surged in the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taiwan records first infant death due to COVID-19 as two-year old boy dies

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy.

China’s economy expanded 4.8% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. That pace was barely faster than the final three months of last year, and it also obscured a looming problem.

Much of that growth was recorded in January and February. Last month, economic activity slowed as Shenzhen, the technology hub in the south, and then Shanghai, the country’s biggest city, and other important industrial centers shut down. The lockdowns suspended assembly lines, grounded workers, trapped truck drivers and snarled ports. They confined hundreds of millions of consumers at home.

The slowdown that started in March is expected to worsen this month, with even more regions placed under restrictions.

For the world, China’s COVID shutdowns could feed inflation by further disrupting the supply chains that many manufacturers rely on, pushing up the cost of making and transporting goods.

Many workers are struggling.

Yu Yao, a truck driver who delivers vegetables and fruits from Shandong province to Shanghai, is one of many Chinese truck drivers stranded because of ever-tightening epidemic control measures. He has been trapped in Shanghai for more than three weeks.

Yu came to Shanghai on March 16 to deliver vegetables to a market. He was still in the city three days later when authorities identified him as a close contact of an infected person in the market. Police ordered him to be immediately quarantined. So he stopped his truck near a highway and began to wait.

He has been waiting ever since. No one has fetched him for quarantine. He lacks a travel permit now required to drive a truck in Shanghai during the lockdown. He and four other drivers without travel permits have slept on the ground and shared bread for three weeks.

“We can’t get off the highway, every exit is guarded. We just want to go home,” Yu said. “I couldn’t get enough food the other day, and my body can’t take it anymore.”

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy.

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy. China’s economy expanded 4.8% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. That pace was barely faster than the final three months of last year, and it also obscured a looming problem. Much of that growth was recorded in January and February. Last month, economic activity slowed as Shenzhen, the technology hub in the south, and then Shanghai, the country’s biggest city, and other important industrial centers shut down. The lockdowns suspended assembly lines, grounded workers, trapped truck drivers and snarled ports. They confined hundreds of millions of consumers at home. The slowdown that started in March is expected to worsen this month, with even more regions placed under restrictions. For the world, China’s COVID shutdowns could feed inflation by further disrupting the supply chains that many manufacturers rely on, pushing up the cost of making and transporting goods. Many workers are struggling. Yu Yao, a truck driver who delivers vegetables and fruits from Shandong province to Shanghai, is one of many Chinese truck drivers stranded because of ever-tightening epidemic control measures. He has been trapped in Shanghai for more than three weeks. Yu came to Shanghai on March 16 to deliver vegetables to a market. He was still in the city three days later when authorities identified him as a close contact of an infected person in the market. Police ordered him to be immediately quarantined. So he stopped his truck near a highway and began to wait. He has been waiting ever since. No one has fetched him for quarantine. He lacks a travel permit now required to drive a truck in Shanghai during the lockdown. He and four other drivers without travel permits have slept on the ground and shared bread for three weeks. “We can’t get off the highway, every exit is guarded. We just want to go home,” Yu said. “I couldn’t get enough food the other day, and my body can’t take it anymore.”

China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy

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