The population growth rate of ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is more rapid than that of the Han nationality, according to a demographic expert.

Statistics quoted in foreign media with regards to the ratio of ethnic minority and Han inhabitants of the region are imprecise and inaccurate, said Professor Yang Shengmin from the Minzu (nationalities) University.

Results of the national census of 2000 showed the total population of Xinjiang as comprising 65% ethnic and less than 34% Han nationality peoples.

The family planning policy applied in ethnic minority areas is more flexible, Professor Yang said.

Uygur couples living in cities of Xinjiang can have two children, those in rural areas can have three, and couples of the Kazak ethnic group can have as many as four children if they wish.

"The natural population growth of minority ethnic groups in Xinjiang exceeds that of the Han people," Yang said.

The family planning policy that the Chinese government introduced in 1979 was not, specifically a "one child policy," but more government advocacy that couples have one child. It allows couples in rural areas whose firstborn is a girl to have a second child after going through certain formalities.

In the past 30 years, 300 million births have been prevented and the exponential population growth is under control.

Xinjiang is a main outpost on what was the ancient Chinese "Silk Road" trading route connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean countries, North and Northeast Africa and Europe. "China's ethnic groups in Xinjang have been living harmoniously for more than 2,000 years," Yang said.

(Source: China News Agency / translated by womenofchina.cn)