Regional differences and sustainable development in China

Sustainable development has become a significant consideration in economic development and environment policy in China. Because of its size, China's sustainable development has global implications. The issue is further complicated by China's growing regional differences. Excessive regional disparties are obviously harmful to the interests of the less developed regions. They are even more unpalatable in this socialist country which takes pride in reducing inequalities. Serious regional disparities will bring along social and political instability, and may even generate demands for regional autonomy. This article first attempts to analyze regional development in China in the context of sustainable development; and to examine the inter-relationships among poverty relief, population growth, environment protection, natural endowment and regional differences in China. The Chinese leadership in recent years has shown considerable commitment to accelerate the development of the central and western regions to reduce regional disparities. Before 2010, however, the Chinese leadership can only aim to slow down the expansion of regional disparities.