In post-reform China, local governments, instead of the central state, have become major promoters of urbanization. Differing from the existing literature based on Western theories, this article argues that a localize...In post-reform China, local governments, instead of the central state, have become major promoters of urbanization. Differing from the existing literature based on Western theories, this article argues that a localized perspective, ‘administrative urbanization', can provide a contextual explanation for the mechanism of urbanization in the reform era. The case study of Ordos indicates that new town construction, especially in the inland area, has become the main strategy for investment attraction and economic development. The local government has played a dominant role in this construction through a series of administrative measures, including avoidance of central state regulations, land leasing, high standard infrastructure construction, relocation policies and industrial attraction. This article also explores the issue of unsustainability in the new town, and identifies that underdeveloped industrialization, slow population agglomeration and real estate bubbles are primary threats to the sustainability of administrative urbanization.展开更多
Commercial shale gas production has been rapidly realized in China following a short learning period. Shale gas production is expected to reach 4.5bcm by the end of 2015, with the construction of a 7.5 bcm production ...Commercial shale gas production has been rapidly realized in China following a short learning period. Shale gas production is expected to reach 4.5bcm by the end of 2015, with the construction of a 7.5 bcm production capacity. Over 700 shale gas wells have been drilled in China, mostly by the three state-owned oil companies. The most significant factors that led to the rapid shale gas development in China include the abundant shale gas resources, a relatively complete R＆D system, and strong support from various stakeholders （the central and local governments, oil companies, and the general public）. China has a long way to go for building a booming shale gas industry, because of many big obstacles in the way of shale gas development, including complex geology, high operation costs, incomplete infrastructure and technology constraints. Looking ahead, however, there are firm grounds for the projection of a bright prospect of China＇s shale gas industry , as a 20 bcm annual shale gas production is reasonably expected in 2020.展开更多
Based on nationally representative panel data, this paper examines the content and evolution of China＇s cadre responsibility system at county-township and township- village levels. Our findings suggest that, with abo...Based on nationally representative panel data, this paper examines the content and evolution of China＇s cadre responsibility system at county-township and township- village levels. Our findings suggest that, with abolition of agricultural tax, there has been a series of changes in the focus of evaluation both at county-township and township-village levels. In county-township evaluation system, importance of economic development and social stability grew but fiscal pressure did not weaken; while in township-village system, original indicator of fiscal pressure became less important. Meanwhile, by enhancing ＂veto＂ indicator of evaluation on village cadres, township government attempted to cascade the pressure of social stability to village administration. Although central government has initiated a series of reforms on agriculture, countryside and farmers, county and township governments did not pay more attention to rural infrastructure. In addition, county government paid less and less attention to farmers＇ income growth.展开更多
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41571130,41271165,41701177)Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry(No.[2015]1098)The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Collaborative Innovation Center for Geopolitical setting of Southwest China and Borderland Development(YNNU)
文摘In post-reform China, local governments, instead of the central state, have become major promoters of urbanization. Differing from the existing literature based on Western theories, this article argues that a localized perspective, ‘administrative urbanization', can provide a contextual explanation for the mechanism of urbanization in the reform era. The case study of Ordos indicates that new town construction, especially in the inland area, has become the main strategy for investment attraction and economic development. The local government has played a dominant role in this construction through a series of administrative measures, including avoidance of central state regulations, land leasing, high standard infrastructure construction, relocation policies and industrial attraction. This article also explores the issue of unsustainability in the new town, and identifies that underdeveloped industrialization, slow population agglomeration and real estate bubbles are primary threats to the sustainability of administrative urbanization.
文摘Commercial shale gas production has been rapidly realized in China following a short learning period. Shale gas production is expected to reach 4.5bcm by the end of 2015, with the construction of a 7.5 bcm production capacity. Over 700 shale gas wells have been drilled in China, mostly by the three state-owned oil companies. The most significant factors that led to the rapid shale gas development in China include the abundant shale gas resources, a relatively complete R＆D system, and strong support from various stakeholders （the central and local governments, oil companies, and the general public）. China has a long way to go for building a booming shale gas industry, because of many big obstacles in the way of shale gas development, including complex geology, high operation costs, incomplete infrastructure and technology constraints. Looking ahead, however, there are firm grounds for the projection of a bright prospect of China＇s shale gas industry , as a 20 bcm annual shale gas production is reasonably expected in 2020.
文摘Based on nationally representative panel data, this paper examines the content and evolution of China＇s cadre responsibility system at county-township and township- village levels. Our findings suggest that, with abolition of agricultural tax, there has been a series of changes in the focus of evaluation both at county-township and township-village levels. In county-township evaluation system, importance of economic development and social stability grew but fiscal pressure did not weaken; while in township-village system, original indicator of fiscal pressure became less important. Meanwhile, by enhancing ＂veto＂ indicator of evaluation on village cadres, township government attempted to cascade the pressure of social stability to village administration. Although central government has initiated a series of reforms on agriculture, countryside and farmers, county and township governments did not pay more attention to rural infrastructure. In addition, county government paid less and less attention to farmers＇ income growth.
