Abstract: The world has experienced population growth and fertility decline for nearly a century and has entered an era of deceleration of growth. China’s population change is consistent with the global trend, but the time length of the whole process has been significantly compressed. While the population size has peaked, China has quickly become an ageing society. Nevertheless, low fertility, stagnation or negative growth, and population ageing are not unique to China. In the 21st century, both China and the world need to face these challenges. China must adapt to these demographic changes and actively respond to the challenges as soon as possible.

摘要： 全球人口在近一个世纪中先后经历了死亡率下降、规模高速增长、生育率下降、规模增速减缓等不同发展阶段。中国人口变化与全球人口变化大趋势基本一致，但变化历程在时间上大大压缩，在人口规模达到峰值前后，快步进入老龄社会。低生育率、人口低增长或负增长以及人口老龄化并不是中国的特有现象，而是全球在21世纪将要共同面对的挑战。中国需要尽快适应人口新变化，并积极应对其带来的各种新挑战。

关键词: 人口转变, 人口负增长, 人口老龄化