tranquilium
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I understand that it is a difference as in, it will make a lot of effect in determining the timing of the demographic cataclysm. But both do predict a big demographic problem.
2.1 is the replacement ratio for highly developed countries. Normally, the replacement ratio is 2.1-2.3 depending on the country's situation.
I never denied there aren't tools to play with. What I am concerned is the thinking. There seem to be vested interests in the Family Planning department etc. that are stalling things. Just some time back there was news, that Beijing authorities denied speculation that "two child policy" will be introduced. Also, I fear they don't understand the importance of having more people.
Human Resource is the biggest and by far the most valuable resource of any nation. Technology, Education, and Training are important to extract more out of every human, but humans are still the fundamental unit both of consumption and production. The one single reason China grew was due to its human resources. Why would someone want less of it?
Also, a young population and work force induces creativity and life in an economy. Just see Japan, they are not as that innovative any more, are very conservative. It is a well known fact that most of the research and fundamental breakthroughs done by mathematicians is done by the age of 35.
I never really understand this sentiment that "I fear they don't understand the importance of having more people". Yizhi already presented counter argument via data, so I will not repeat it. Why does people who only spent passing interest on a subject insist that they are smarter than people who are selected solely for the ability to do the job? Worse yet, why does people assume that policy maker "does not know" something so basic.
Look, policy makers can make seemingly strange decisions, but it is generally has more reasons than the "they missed something obvious". Granted, some of the reasons may not align with your interest, but that does not mean they are stupid.
This kind argument that "China grew was due to its human resources" is getting old. Human resource is not just the numbers, it is also the quality of the population via education. You also need infrastructure, social structure, administrative coverage and a large number of other things to make development happen. Heck, even Indian's politician, boggled down politics as they are, understand that a country needs more than just population to make things happen. Many of these things will not happen if you have a population that is swelling out of control, hence why population control is necessary.
Singapore is a rather bad example for most of the nations. The reason is that it is simply too small. It is a city-state that share more characteristic with ancient Greek states than any decent sized modern country, let alone a country like China.