Xi Jinping Reasserts Strategy for Western China’s High-Quality Development
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the critical importance of boosting the high-quality development of China’s western region during his recent inspection in Chongqing Municipality. Over two days, he highlighted the western region’s significant role in the nation’s overall modernization efforts.
A Renewed Focus on Regional Development
This visit marks the latest initiative by President Xi to promote balanced regional growth across the country. Last month, he inspected central China’s Hunan Province, stressing the need to invigorate the central region and advance the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The aim is to foster a more harmonious economic landscape where all regions contribute to and benefit from China’s progress.
The Strategic Significance of the Western Region
China’s western area comprises 12 provincial-level regions, spanning over 70 percent of the country’s landmass and home to 27 percent of its population. Rich in renewable energy resources like solar and wind power, the western region also boasts abundant mineral reserves such as rare earth elements, bauxite, coal, and natural gas, accounting for more than 70 percent of the nation’s total reserves.
In March 2019, under President Xi’s chairmanship, the CPC Central Committee passed a guideline for advancing the development of the western region in the new era. The guideline set ambitious targets for 2035, aiming for the western region to catch up with the eastern region in public services, infrastructure connectivity, and living standards. Notably, as of 2023, the eastern region’s GDP is nearly triple that of the western region.
Addressing Challenges and Leveraging Strengths
Five years after the guideline’s introduction, President Xi acknowledged the significant achievements made but also pointed out the ongoing development challenges the western region faces. He urged these regions to focus on their unique strengths, accelerate opening-up, and develop competitive local industries.
At a symposium, Xi Jinping emphasized that the 12 provincial-level regions should prioritize modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries such as new energy and biomedicine, tailoring these initiatives to local conditions. He further suggested that tourism and other service sectors could be developed into pillar industries, capitalizing on the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Towards High-Quality Economic Transformation
President Xi underscored China’s economic shift from high-speed growth to high-quality development. He encouraged all regions to develop their economies based on specific local conditions and to leverage their comparative advantages. During his visit to Chongqing, he toured an international logistics hub, a community in Jiulongpo District, and a digital urban operation and governance center. These visits underscored the importance of infrastructure, urban renewal, and governance in regional development.
Looking Ahead
The renewed focus on western China’s development is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving balanced national growth. By harnessing its abundant resources and strategic location, the western region can become a significant driver of China’s high-quality economic transformation, contributing to the nation’s modernization goals and improving the livelihoods of its people.
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5 years on, Xi reasserts China's western region development strategy
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