On Wednesday the State Commission for Population and Family
Planning said that China's population control policy will remain in
place for a long period to come, despite having achieved a low
birthrate.
According to the commission, the average number of children per
family dropped from 5.8 in the early 1970s to 1.8 at present, as a
result of unremitting efforts over the past three decades.
"A large population remains a major issue for China at present
and a key factor obstructing economic and social development," said
an official with the commission. "Family planning will continue to
be a fundamental policy that we must adhere to."
The commission says that over 16 million babies have been born
annually since 2000; roughly equivalent to half the population of
Canada and three times that of Denmark.
"For the next twelve years, China is projected to continue to
have a huge population and sustained population growth," the
official said. "If the family planning policy was loosened, the
country would very likely experience a boost in population
growth."
The Chinese mainland's 1.3 billionth citizen, a baby boy, was
born at 0:02 AM on Thursday in a Beijing hospital.
"Both mother and son are in good condition," said midwife Wang
Chujie of Beijing Maternity Hospital.
Of the total mainland population, 59.47 percent are based in
rural areas and 40.53 percent in urban areas. Average life
expectancy is 71.40 years.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)