English

Women walk with their toddlers as residents visit a public park in Beijing.

Video. China's birthrate drops to its lowest level since 1949

Updated: 19/01/2026 - 13:58 GMT+1

China’s population has fallen for a fourth consecutive year, hitting its lowest birthrate since 1949 despite government efforts to boost fertility.

Read full article

Top stories

Now playing Next

Police clash with far-right protesters at anti-immigration rally in The Hague

Now playing Next

Latest news bulletin | September 20th, 2026 – Evening

Now playing Next

Increase in air pollution takes a toll on your sleep

Now playing Next

US push to cut drug prices could mean longer waits for European patients

Now playing Next

Macron and Carney vow closer France-Canada ties amid strained US relations

Now playing Next

Exit polls show Merz’s party suffering heavy losses in 2 German state elections

Now playing Next

Russians vote in final day of parliamentary elections

Now playing Next

Germans head to the polls in state elections as pressure mounts on Merz

Now playing Next

Moscow hit by 'largest-scale attack' on capital so far, mayor says

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

More from Health News

Health news

Underwater drones help London ambulance crews rescue people

Health news

Congo begins Ebola vaccinations against world's fastest-growing outbreak

Health news

This tiny robot could help deliver drugs, dissolve blood clots and detect cancer

Health news

Attacks on health workers in DR Congo making Ebola fight 'harder,' Red Cross says

Latest video

Europe News

Macron touts relationship with Canada in visit to Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Europe News

Dutch police clash with hundreds of far-right protesters at anti-immigration rally

Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Riyadh and the port of Yanbu

Iran

Contrast in Tehran as unveiled women race marathon alongside regime military display

Europe News

The keg is tapped: Munich springs to life as Oktoberfest returns

Culture news

Shakira returns to Spain in fire, tears and 'Waka Waka'

Greenland

US and Denmark reach deal over Greenland's security

Russia

Russians leave before election ends, fearing mobilisation to follow

ADVERTISEMENT

Europe News

Video shows migrants running towards temporary camp in Ceuta

12 minutes with

Irish Finance Minister says Hormuz closure, not Ukraine, causing energy crisis

No Comment

Japan tests mobile robotic rubbish bins at Shinjuku Station

No Comment

Torrential rain and flooding slam Tunis, forcing schools to close

Europe News

Macron to convene G7 on energy, warning of 'Russian aggression'

Culture Series

Meet the beekeeper carrying on three generations of family tradition

Focus

Tajikistan celebrates its 35th independence anniversary

Made in Europe

The world’s first laser fusion power station is being built in Germany

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT