Beijing seeks cure for urban development ills

BEIJING - Beijing is striving to cope with problems that have emerged as a result of the country's rapid urbanization, with the municipal government signing an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) to boost the capabilities of an urban development research institute under the Capital University of Economics and Business.

The agreement states that both sides will work to boost the institute's potential to provide intelligent solutions to problems that have constrained the city's development.

The rapid growth of Chinese cities has led to a variety of problems, including soaring populations, traffic jams, housing and water shortages, security problems and decreased living standards for some segments of the population.

These factors will to some extent constrain China's future urban development, according to a statement from the university.

A recent study issued by CASS indicated that China's urbanization rate reached 51.27 percent last year. It said the next five to 10 years will be a key period for China to improve its urbanization.