When it comes to populous countries, China is the market leader with well over 1 billion inhabitants. If you thought that this was a relatively new phenomenon, then think again, because it seems that there have been population issues for decades.

Actually, it was something that was annoying to the Chinese leadership even when they were far more secretive than they are today. Even though information is difficult to come by, we do know of one incident in 1973 that involved an offer that the US simply had to turn down.

Back in 1973, the famous Henry Kissinger had an audience with Mao Zedong. During that meeting, Chairman Mao mentioned that China had far too many women compared to men. Ultimately, he suggested that he give the US 10 million Chinese women like some strange diplomatic gift that just beggars belief. Of course, Kissinger had to turn him down, because can you imagine going back to the President with 10 million women behind you? It just wouldn’t work.