the population of the PeopleÆs Republic of China grew from 540 million to over 800 million (Trends 2004). This strong population growth continues to drive ChinaÆs population growth despite decreases in fertility levels during the 1970s and 1980s. From 1980 to the present, China has experienced strong economic growth with rising GDP. Such economic conditions have continued to drive population growth during these two decades, which stands today at an estimated 1.3 billion people (See Fig. Two). The United Nations Population Division expects the population of China to increase by more than 260 million people between the present time and 2025, an increase that represents roughly the size of the entire U.S. population (Summary 2004).
Such enormous projected increases in population create a significant challenge for the Chinese government with respect to the food supply. Because of continued economic growth and a large cohort of the population that will reach reproductive age in the next two decades, ChinaÆs population is expected to rise above 1.5 billion unless effective family planning programs are implemented (Summary 2004). ChinaÆs future population growth is a result of past population growth. The liberalization of society in China makes many experts predict that individuals will choose to ignore the countryÆs One-Child Policy. The policy has already been undermined for parents who were single children, for farmers, and for ethnic minorities (Trends 2004).
In order for ChinaÆs population to stabilize at 1.5 billion or less, experts predict that fertility rates will need to remain lower than the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman (Trends 2004). Chinese officials are aware of the enormous strain on natural resources and the food supply by projected estimates of future population numbers. Family planning programs remain a high priority for political leaders and policymakers. Some factors may help underm...