PIP: On September 30, 1983, the Minister of the People's Republic of China's State Family Planning Commission, appeared before the UN and was awarded the UN Population Award. The Minister later addressed the UN during which he recounted China's progress in public health made over the past 100 years. From 1949 to 1970, China experienced a population growth of more than 280 million. However, since 1970, China has been actively working toward controlling its rate of natural population growth, the result of which has been a reduction from 26/1000 capita per year in 1970 to 14.5/1000 capita per year in 1982. The Minister further attributed this success to the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese government. He concluded his speech by stating that China's current policies are to bring its rate of population growth under control, while improving the quality of life of its citizens.