Beijing,the capital city of China is taking the lead in building a harmonious society.Population problems constitute a major concern in this endeavor:how population affects development of Beijing,what specific problems are to be considered,and what measures are to be taken.While further and deeper researches are needed,this issue of Population and Development Forum brings together three studies on carrying capacity,floating population,and reproductive health.Most cities in China are over-loaded with population.This is particularly true in Beijing.According to Yang Kaizhong,professor from Peking University,there is a need to work along both lines in solving the problem:on the one hand,pattern of urban development of Beijing need to be adjusted from being dependent on population growth into being dependent on improved productivity;on the other hand,policy on population "taking in and taking out"(immigration and emigration)need to be developed.When talking about population size,the problem of floating population needs also to be addressed.Dr.Bao Lufang from Beijing Municipal Academy of Social Sciences discusses issues of floating population living in the "Village in City".He describes the characteristics of the floating population,and the ways in which they respond to reconstructing the "Village in City".He emphasizes the role of floating population,making of reasonable institutional arrangements,and guiding and fostering of their self-organizations.Reproductive health services for floating population is one of the major components of family planning work.However,according to Gui Jiangfeng from China Center for Population and Development Studies,problems and difficulties in the services available for migrant women are not few.Reproductive health knowledge lacking,their attitude and behavior tend to be risky.Quality care has a long way to go.
1st October 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.Over the last 60 years,particularly since the reform and opening up,China has completed the historical transition of population reproduction,becoming demographically a developed country.In order to celebrate the achievements of China’s population and demography,this issue of Population and Development Forum has invited some distinguished Chinese demographers to summarize and discuss the major changes and progress that have been made in population and demography in China over the 60 years.Professor Wu Cangping examines the irreplaceable position of demography as a discipline in China.Professor Li Jianmin highlights the unique pattern of China’s demographic transition in the context of changing population policy.Professor Wang Guixin looks at changing patterns of migration in China in the context of socio-economic changes in China.Professor Gui Shixun explores China’s old-age security system in the context of rapid aging in China.Finally Professor Yuan Xin calls for both theoretical and empirical researches on the unprecedented demographic challenges in China now and future.
