Search

The demographic structure of Asia is expected to change rapidly from around 2020 up to around 2050. Following Japan, which is already at an advanced stage of aging and birthrate decline, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore will also witness a further decline in their birthrates and an aging of their populations. Next in line will be the remaining countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations as well as India. Such changes, accompanied by a decline in the labor force, will not only adversely affect economic growth, but also have a major impact on voting structures, savings rates, and social security systems. Moreover, the process of demographic aging in Asia will be faster than in Japan, and its extent will be substantial, both of which exacerbates the negative effects. On positive side, these trends will give rise to the emergence of new markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the author's comments on the paper "Demographic Change and Asian Dynamics: Social and Political Implications," by T. Inoguchi, published in this issue of the periodical. The author states that the Asian countries can enjoy the demographic bonus if the economic growth, employment creation and human resource development can absorb the increasing numbers of the labor force. The author thinks that with growing inequalities in Thailand and China, social turmoil has emerged.