China is set to accelerate new urbanization and promote coordinated regional development this year, according to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Wednesday. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the report on behalf of the State Council at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.
Advancing New Urbanization
China’s urbanization rate of permanent residents reached 67% in 2024. As part of its new urbanization strategy, the government plans to help rural migrants integrate into cities by enhancing support in areas like basic public services, compulsory education for their children, housing security, and social insurance.
Efforts will also focus on improving infrastructure and public services in county-level regions, while vigorously developing county economies. The aim is to develop modern metropolitan areas, enhance the governance of megacities and large cities, and promote coordinated development among cities of all sizes.
The government also plans to promote urban renewal and renovate old residential communities. Initiatives include developing digital and smart infrastructure, improving accessibility and elderly-friendly facilities, enhancing community services, and building livable, resilient, and smart cities.
Promoting Regional Coordinated Development
To achieve balanced regional growth, China plans to implement strategies to deepen development in the western region, revitalize the northeastern region, accelerate the rise of the central region, and advance the modernization of the eastern region.
The government will enhance the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantaged regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will also advance the high-standard and high-quality construction of the Xiong’an New Area, deepen the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic rim, and actively develop the marine economy by establishing national marine economic development demonstration zones.
