China Introduces 15 Measures for Western Development

(Reuters) – China announced on Sunday that it will implement 15 measures aimed at enhancing the development of its western provinces. This initiative includes the construction of logistical infrastructure such as ports and aviation hubs.

The General Administration of Customs stated that these measures will improve the integration of rail, air, river, and sea connections in the western region of China, according to state media reports.

The plans include:
– Enhancing international aviation hubs in cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi’an, and Urumqi.
– Developing comprehensive bonded zones and connecting them with ports and transport links.
– Building and expanding several ports.

China has historically aimed to strengthen the economic capabilities of its western regions, which have significantly lagged behind the more affluent coastal areas. However, ethnic tensions in places like Xinjiang and stringent security measures imposed by Beijing for the purpose of maintaining national unity and border stability have attracted criticism from some Western countries.

China’s western regions account for about two-thirds of the nation’s land area and include provinces such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Tibet.

Last year, China’s Politburo advocated for a “new urbanization” strategy for western China, emphasizing the revitalization of rural areas, the expansion of poverty alleviation efforts, and the enhancement of energy resources. Additionally, efforts have been made to improve trade connections to Europe and South Asia through routes such as rail freight corridors.