[The Chinese demographic challenge]

Recent official vital statistics data from China are used to emphasize the seriousness of the demographic situation in China, and to highlight the continued pressure on limited resources exerted by a growing population that is struggling to achieve socioeconomic development. The authors conclude that "the pessimistic scenarios of evolution of Chinese vital factors justify the pursuit, or even the intensification, of the birth control programme. New educational programmes should focus on the necessity to develop new solidarities, to achieve a [reasonable] vital growth at least during the next five decades, which could lead to a better balanced...development of the economy." (SUMMARY IN ENG)