Why Taiwan's falling birth rate has become a national security issue

Christmas is coming to Taipei and the city is at least partially decked out for the season. In Muzha, on the city's outskirts, the Catholic church has set up a nativity scene. There is as yet no baby in the manger and the scene looks rather forlorn. That's somehow appropriate for Taiwan, where there is a dearth of actual babies in cradles.

Over the road from the church are two pet-grooming shops, testimony to the