Changes in hukou policies to enable easier flow of people

China's efforts to reduce the barriers for hukou or household registration will encourage the free flow of people in the nation, and should not be construed as attempts to ease curbs on the real estate sector, the country's top economic regulator said on Monday.

Chen Yajun, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said no matter how the household registration system is reformed, the principle that "houses are for living in, not for speculation" must be adhered to.

"The bottom line is to ensure the stable and healthy development of the real estate industry and we will work hard to resolutely prevent speculators from getting involved in the process," Chen said.