Interregional comparative analysis of China's developmental disparity

• Main Authors: Yeoh, Emile Kok Kheng, Loh, Joanne Hoi Lee, Ruiz Estrada, Mario Arturo, Ling, Susie Yieng Ping
• Format: Article
• Published: Institute of China Studies 2010
• Subjects: HC Economic History and Conditions
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/1270/; https://www.um.edu.my/research-and-community/information-for-researchers/centers-of-research/institute-of-china-studies/publication/international-journal-of-china-studies-(ijcs)

Since the launching of the market reform policies in the late 1970s, China has experienced rapid economic growth. However, the eastern region of China has since developed at a relatively more rapid rate than the rest of the country due to various factors like stronger economic foundation, better geographical location, preferential government policies and well-developed infrastructures. On the contrary, due mainly to historical and geographical factors, the development in western China is much slower. This has led to a huge gap between these two regions which will become even larger if the Chinese government does not take the effort to minimize it. This paper examines and analyzes the phenomenon of interregional disparities in China from various crucial perspectives. It looks at the root causes of the existence of such disparities and examines the State's policy response in the form of the "Western China Development" strategy in the context of building a "moderately welloff" society. Recognizing that China's rapid economic growth and expanding trade is not a purely economic phenomenon but a multidimensional one, this paper proceeds to evaluate the prospects of the eastern region and western region of China from a multidimensional perspective encompassing the political, social, economic and technological dimensions.