Taiwan's population to fall below 20 million by 2045, opposition warns of 'national security crisis'

Taiwan's population is set to fall below 20 million by 2045, a stark demographic shift occurring four years sooner than previously projected. This projection, released by the National Development Council, highlights the escalating challenges of low birth rates and an aging society.

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Population collapse has already become Taiwan's most urgent national security crisis, but the Lai government is still obsessed with spending money, slogans, and political infighting.

Opposition lawmakers have sharply criticized the ruling administration, labeling the demographic decline a "national security crisis." They argue that the government remains "obsessed with spending money, slogans, and political infighting" instead of addressing the root causes of the problem. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus highlighted that a decade of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rule has seen the birthrate worsen, demanding accountability for the current situation.

Lawmakers pointed to the immense pressure on young Taiwanese, citing that salaries have not kept pace with housing prices, and savings lag behind inflation. The costs associated with marriage, housing, childbirth, and childcare create significant anxiety, making the prospect of raising children daunting. "How can they have the courage to welcome a new life?" asked one lawmaker.

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Have you truly seen the living pressure of young people in Taiwan?

The consequences of this demographic downturn are far-reaching, impacting Taiwan's economy, finances, healthcare, social welfare, and national security. A shrinking workforce raises questions about who will support the National Health Insurance and long-term care systems, and who will pay taxes. Businesses face talent shortages, hospitals struggle to find medical staff, and the military grapples with recruitment.

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Today one less child, 20 years later one less labor force. Who will support the National Health Insurance? Who will bear the burden of long-term care? Who will pay taxes to maintain the social security system?

Despite government rhetoric on addressing the low birth rate, critics point to policy failures. The rejection of the "Taiwan Children's Future Account Act" and unfulfilled promises of social housing construction have eroded confidence among young families. Lawmakers urged the government to convene a national affairs conference to find solutions, warning that without a change in trend, Taiwan could transform from a "tech island" into an "uninhabited island."

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The low birth rate issue has escalated from a 'national security crisis' to an 'existential crisis for the nation.'