One-child policy becomes controversial topic
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-29 20:54

Argument: a risk cost of readjustment

Zeng's proposal has aroused objection from a group of Chinese scholars and officials. Renowned Chinese economist Fan Gang said a relaxed family planning policy in China will lead to an additional population of 100 million or 200 million, a big challenge to the employment.

Some other experts said the readjustment will surely bring about an unexpected expansion of population in China, which will terminate the low-birth rate.

Yu Xuejun, director of the Policy & Law Department of the State Family Planning Commission, said at the forum that the readjustment will be based on the cost of increased population, which may result in many new problems including environment, employment and social securities.

The government is greatly concerned with the balance between the advantage and cost of an readjustment to the family planning policy, said Yu, noting that it needs a scientific decision in China on whether the family planning policy should be changed or not.

China launched the family planning policy in late 1970s, which requires one child for one family in cities, and allows two children for one family in rural areas if the first child of the family is a girl. The policy also lays no restriction to the number of children in families of ethnic groups.