China's birth rate tumbles to historic low

20 January 2026 · 12m

FT News Briefing

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Show notes

China has registered its lowest number of births since records began. European governments weigh up options to bring down the high cost of their state pensions? Saudi Arabian banks borrow at record pace. Plus, Chinese EV carmakers have their eyes on the UK.

Mentioned in this podcast:

China registers lowest number of births since records began

China’s GDP grows 5% in 2025 as exports offset weak domestic outlook

Can Europe still afford its generous state pensions?

Josh Gabert Doyon: https://www.ft.com/josh-gabert-doyon

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Josh Gabert Doyon, and produced by Clare Williamson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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