Daily brief
China's birth rate has fallen to a record low, with the population declining for a fourth consecutive year. The number of births dropped below eight million, the lowest figure since 1949, despite ongoing policy efforts to encourage childbearing. The demographic shift is also reflected in a significant decrease in the number of kindergartens across the country.
A factory explosion in Inner Mongolia's Baotou city has killed four people and injured 84 others (ongoing coverage).
China has declared an emergency in response to severe cold and heavy snowfall affecting parts of the country.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck China's Yunnan province, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
President Donald Trump's renewed threat regarding Greenland has reportedly caused outrage among allies.