The baby boy, born at two minutes past midnight Thursday in a Beijing hospital, counted China’s 1.3 billionth citizen and the date, January 6, 2005, became the 1.3 Billion Population Day of China. With 3,600 grams and 52 cm, the boy is in good condition. So far, the boy has no name. His mother is Lan Hui in her 31 with the Shell Group of Companies and the boy’s father is one staff from Air China. "I am very happy, and I am the happiest man in the world," the boy’s father said. Gu Xiulian, Vice-Chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee and President of the ACWF, visited the hospital to see the new coming citizen. Zhang Weiqing, director of National Population and Family Planning Commission (NPFPC) of China, awarded him the certificate and gifts. China mainland would reach 1,299,880,000 by the end of 2004, with a daily net increase of 20,800 on average. Based on this statistics, on January 6, this population would top at 1. 3 billion. NPFPC had determined in advance that the first baby born in this hospital after midnight would be the symbolic 1.3 billionth Chinese. On the same day, more than 20,000 other babies were added to China’s population list. The nation’s population policy over the past 25 years has contributed to balanced development, delaying the date of the landmark figure by four years. 1. The baby is regarded as China’s 1. 3 billionth citizen because ________. A. our population was just one less than 1.3 billion before his birth B. he was the first baby China had on January 6,2005 C. he was lucky enough to be born at the right time and place D. he was the healthiest of all born on the same day 2. The baby’s birth is worth so much attention because ________. A. 1.3 billion is a landmark figure in China’s population statistics B. 1.3 billion is a turning point in China’s population growth C. the birth symbolizes China’s success in family planning D. the birth makes China’s population large enough for celebration 3. Which statement is correct according to the statistical data? A. In 2004 China had 20,800 babies born on an average day. B. China’s population reached 1.3 billion by the end of January 5. C. The exactly 1.3 billionth citizen should be born on January 5. D. China’s actual population became over 20,000 larger on January 6 |