Yangtze River Delta: Driving China’s Modernization and Dual Circulation
The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, encompassing Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, is at the forefront of China’s economic transformation. As one of the most dynamic and prosperous regions in the country, the YRD plays a pivotal role in advancing China’s dual circulation strategy and modernization efforts.
On November 30, during a symposium in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of integrated development in the YRD. He called for breakthroughs that would enhance the region’s leading role in fostering innovation, economic growth, and ecological sustainability, contributing significantly to Chinese modernization.
Integration Boosting Economic Dynamism
The integrated development of the YRD is not merely an economic initiative; it represents a comprehensive strategy that spans infrastructure, industry, and environmental conservation. By optimizing and upgrading industries and pooling resources, the region has formed an efficient economic cluster that contributes substantially to both national and global economies.
A prime example of this integration is the expansive high-speed railway network connecting cities across the YRD. This network has dramatically reduced travel times, enhanced logistics efficiency, and increased passenger traffic. The seamless connectivity facilitates the swift movement of talent and resources, bolstering economic activities and collaboration among cities.
Innovative Industrial Transformation
The YRD is leading China’s shift towards an innovative, greener, and service-oriented economy. By unifying the industrial strengths of its provinces, the region has created a complementary development trajectory. The digital economy stands out as a focal point, with Shanghai’s cloud computing and big data services integrating with Suzhou’s advanced manufacturing. This synergy has spurred innovative projects in fields such as medical equipment and intelligent manufacturing.
Collaborative Environmental Conservation
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the YRD’s development. Joint green initiatives, such as wind power projects in Jiangsu and solar energy facilities in Zhejiang, have significantly increased the share of renewable energy in the region’s energy mix. Collaborative efforts have also led to a continuous decline in PM2.5 concentrations, reflecting improved air quality resulting from unified environmental regulations.
Shaping China’s Economic Landscape
The advancement of the YRD’s integration is crucial for enhancing the stability of China’s domestic economic circulation and facilitating efficient global resource allocation. The region’s development transcends geographical expansion; it embodies the pursuit of higher development quality and sets new standards for economic cooperation and competition.
In the context of global economic integration, the YRD offers innovative models and pathways for development. Its progress not only contributes to China’s modernization but also provides valuable insights for regional development strategies worldwide. Each step forward in the YRD continues to paint a vibrant picture of China’s new era of growth and prosperity.
Reference(s):
The Yangtze River Delta: Spearheading China's dual circulation
cgtn.com
