Final answer:
In the 1980s, China's demographic trend was a decreasing general fertility rate due to the one-child policy, socioeconomic changes, and improvements in healthcare rather than an increase in total fertility rate, a surge in emigration, a rising crude birth rate or a falling life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1980s, the demographic trend in China was best characterized by a decreasing general fertility rate. This trend was heavily influenced by the government's one-child policy introduced in 1979, alongside socioeconomic changes such as increased urbanization and industrial activity, which generally result in smaller family sizes. Although the policy's impact is disputed, statistics show that the fertility rate in China was already on the decline before its enactment. The period saw the country's population expanding at a slower rate compared to the rapid growth experienced in the earlier decades.
Furthermore, advancements in healthcare and sanitation during China’s development led to improved lifespan, contributing to an aging population rather than to a falling life expectancy. There was no significant surge in refugees emigrating from China during this time. Overall, the demographic situation was shaped by a complex interplay of policy, economic, and social factors, reflecting a broader global trend towards lower fertility rates as countries develop economically.