It should be pointed out that the official population aid has been drastically decreased instead of being increased at the juncture when Asian countries are faced with financial crises, Latin-American countries are burdened with external debts and African countries are increasingly marginalized in economic globalization. It is certain that current Special Session will exert a positive impact on boosting further implementation of the Programme of Action. Mr. President, In the past fifty years, especially the past twenty years, the Chinese government and people have carried out a reform and opening-up policy and have devoted themselves to the modernization drive. With economic activities and social undertakings flourishing, the people have enjoyed a much better life. China s population programme has played a positive role in the process.
China is the most populous developing country in the world.
Starting from the long-term interests of its people, the Chinese government has taken its population issue as a strategic one, has integrated it into the overall programme for its national socioeconomic development and has implemented the population and family planning programme since early 1970s. The Government regards sustainable development as the major strategic principle and takes the population issue in broader perspectives and addresses it in a holistic way. The population and family planning program of China lays more stresses on improving the population quality while keeping control of the quantity. While opposed to coercion, more emphases have been laid on the integrated approach with more information, education, communication and quality services in reproductive health and family planning. The role of the civil society and NGOs has also been brought into play.