CHINA'S 400 MILLION FEWER
China’s population policies are viewed as draconian by the rest of the world and coercion is not condoned by the Optimum
Population Trust. When they were put into force the Chinese government believed them to be vital to reduce severe pressure
on food supplies and ensure the country’s long-term survival. China's population reached 1.33 billion people in 2009 - one-fifth
of total world population, but is expected to be not much larger, at 1.44 billion, in 2050.
Zhang Weiqing, director of China’s National Population and Family Planning Commission, has pointed out that thanks to its
family planning policies over three decades, China had curbed fast population growth and prevented 400 million births by 2005.
"The 400 million births, if not prevented, would postpone China's drive to build a well-off society," said Zhang. "Such an
achievement should be recognised as many developed countries spent over a century before reaching low birth rates." [Xinhua
News, 3 May 2006]. The benefits to other nations, during a period of rising per capita consumption and emissions, are clear.