CCP Again Postpones Release of Census Data, Expert Speculates Sharp Decline in Population The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has again delayed the release of the 2020 census results. Demographers suggest that China is already experiencing negative population growth. An expert speculates that, in addition to natural factors, the sharp decline in population may be linked to the pandemic, and that the CCP needs time to massage the real figures. The seventh population census of China was completed in early December 2020. In March, China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that the census results would be released in early April. However, on April 16, the NBS announced that in order to provide more details, more preparation was needed. “We will accelerate our work to the next step, and we strive to release the final results of the census as soon as possible,” the NBS stated.