But the country is also eyeing another potential fix: robots and automation. Beijing is also betting heavily on humanoid robots, with more than 140 companies in China now developing them in a field flush with government subsidies. Recent government guidelines have called for advancing humanoid robots and AI technologies to enhance elder care, as well as developing brain-computer interfaces, exoskeleton robots and muscle suits to assist elderly citizens with declining physical functions. Another concern is the state-backed pension system, which many elderly Chinese rely on and predictions suggest could move into deficit as the population ages without more reform. Here too, the “race between technology advancement and population aging,” could have a bearing, according to Tianzeng Xu, a China analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Source: Egypt Independent February 14, 2026 14:55 UTC