On August 11, 2026, the Chinese-language website of French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that Taiwan's population decline and declining birthrate and aging population are progressing at the worst pace ever, and political conflicts are intensifying over a serious future population crisis.

The article stated that, according to the July population statistics released by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior on the 10th, the total population was 23,235,002 people, recording a decrease for 31 consecutive months. In the same month, the number of births was 7,906, while the number of deaths reached 17,119, and the state of "natural decrease," where births fall below deaths, has continued for 66 consecutive months. It also pointed out that even considering the social increase of 650 people due to net immigration, Taiwan's population is decreasing at a rate of 282 people per day.

Furthermore, among the various local governments, Keelung City's birth rate (births per 1,000 population) was the lowest at approximately 2 people, followed by Tainan City and Chiayi County at approximately 3 people, indicating that the declining birthrate has become a common challenge in various regions.

Moreover, the aging of the population is also progressing rapidly, with the elderly aged 65 and over accounting for approximately 21% of the total population as of the end of July, while the young population aged 14 and under remained at approximately 11%.

The article touched upon the discussions at a forum held by the Taiwan Silver Industry Association in June, conveying that a forecast was presented indicating that by 2035, the elderly population ratio will reach approximately 30%, directly impacting industries and the economy through changes in housing forms and consumer markets, labor shortages in companies, and a shrinking economic scale. It also reported that the association views aging as an "opportunity for transition to a new era" and advocates for activating industries for seniors and creating social value that protects the dignity of the elderly.

On the other hand, it stated that political conflicts are arising over measures to address the population crisis, and introduced criticisms from the opposition Taiwan People's Party against the Lai Ching-te (Lai Ching-te) administration's policy not to implement the "Children's Future Account" bill, a child-rearing support measure passed by the Legislative Yuan (Parliament), citing "suspected overreach of constitutional authority."

Furthermore, it warned that the declining birthrate issue has "deep-seated changes in social structure" and "transformations in historical and psychological values" as its background, and as long as it remains solely a matter of bickering between political parties, it will be impossible to find a fundamental solution. (Edited and translated by Kawajiri)