In a survey of four universities in southeastern Fujian Province, 92 percent of students said they think premarital sex is OK, according to a report in China Youth Daily.  

But it wasn't a carte blanche acceptance. Of the 192 students surveyed, those that thought sex before marriage was acceptable, said it was fine only under one of the following conditions: the couple planned to marry, the couple loved one another or both partners wanted to have sex.

Twenty-seven percent of interviewees said they had sex in order to prove their love to a partner, 26 percent said they did it for pleasure, 25 percent said they did not want to reject their boyfriend or girlfriend and 10 percent said it was a sign of maturity.

In the survey, virginity was not placed among the 20 factors - such as personality, appearance, education, occupation, income, health or social ability - influencing the selection of a partner. Experts said the sexual behavior of university students can’t be judged simply as right or wrong.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2004)