Experts Discuss Strategies for Asia's Aging Population

China's demographic challenges are intensifying, with projections indicating that by 2050, one in four people in Asia will be over 60, leading to significant economic and social implications. Experts argue that simply raising the retirement age will not effectively address the declining workforce; instead, a substantial influx of foreign immigrants is necessary to mitigate the looming crisis. Additionally, the Asian Development Bank highlights that China could see a decrease of 220 million working-age individuals by 2050, which may hinder its economic growth, potentially reducing GDP growth by 1.36% annually. Amidst these challenges, China is exploring the 'silver economy' to cater to its aging population, while other Asian nations like Japan are already facing similar dilemmas. Despite reports of a shifting global supply chain, S&P Global asserts that China's role remains stable, with its share of global exports holding firm. The implications of an aging population extend to foreign policy and economic dynamics across the region, necessitating urgent attention from policymakers.