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.
