China's population continued to decline in 2023 due to a drop in births, posing challenges for the country's economic growth. The government's attempts to encourage more births, including offering incentives to women, have not been successful. The population shrank by two million, with only 9.02 million babies born in 2023. The declining birthrate is exacerbating concerns about an aging population and its impact on the economy. Despite government efforts to promote traditional family roles, many women are choosing to delay or forgo marriage and childbirth due to deep-rooted gender inequality and lack of protection for women's rights. The feminist movement in China continues to advocate for gender equality, despite government attempts to suppress it. Women's concerns about discrimination and violence, as well as difficulties in obtaining divorces, are contributing to the declining marriage rates. The government's policies aimed at promoting marriage and childbearing are viewed by some women as a potential trap.