China's birthrate fell to a record low last year, underscoring a deepening demographic crisis as Beijing struggled to reverse a shrinking and aging population.

The number of newborns fell sharply in 2025 after a temporary rebound the prior year, underscoring the challenge Beijing faces in reversing a four-year trend of contraction

China's birthrate fell to a record low last year, underscoring a deepening demographic crisis as Beijing struggled to reverse a shrinking and aging population.