A senior official says China's floating population has reached 120-140 million, about 10 percent of the national total. 
 
A senior Chinese official says China's floating population has reached 120-140 million, accounting for 10 percent of the national total.

Zhao Baige, vice director of the State Population and Family Planning Commission, said the increase of the transient population accords with the country's rapid urbanization and represents social progress.

The official said the Chinese government will equally protect the rights and interests of the transient population while protecting those of urban residents. Restriction on employment, medical care, education and social security for transient people will be lifted.

(Chinabroadcast.cn July 16, 2004)