Taiwan's declining birthrate sparks national security concerns, industry calls for action

Taiwan faces a stark demographic challenge as its working-age population continues its steep decline. The National Development Council's latest projections reveal a dramatic drop, estimating that the number of people aged 15 to 64 will fall to just 5.13 million by 2075. This figure is a significant downward revision from previous forecasts, which had predicted 6.97 million in the same age bracket by 2070.

The implications of this demographic shift are profound, prompting urgent calls from industry leaders. The General Chamber of Commerce (GCC) has characterized the persistently low birthrate as a crisis reaching the level of national security. The shrinking workforce poses a direct threat to Taiwan's economic competitiveness and social stability.

In response to the looming crisis, the GCC has put forth a four-pronged strategy aimed at bolstering the labor force. While the specific measures are not detailed in the provided text, the chamber's proactive stance underscores the severity with which the issue is being viewed. The proposals are intended to address the anticipated labor shortages and ensure Taiwan's continued development in the face of these demographic headwinds.