China has announced a comprehensive plan to accelerate the economic development of its western provinces by implementing 15 measures like construction of ports and aviation hubs. These measures are designed to enhance the integration of transport networks across rail, air, river, and sea links in the western regions, which have historically lagged China’s more prosperous coastal provinces.

The announcement was made by China’s General Administration of Customs on Sunday, January 5. It outlined a series of initiatives to boost connectivity, trade, and economic integration between the western regions and the rest of the country. This will also boost trade with international markets.

Among the proposed measures, the development of international aviation hubs in cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an, and Urumqi will play a central role in enhancing regional air connectivity. These cities are seen as crucial transit points for both domestic and international trade and travel. The plan also includes the construction and expansion of several ports to facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen maritime trade links.

Additionally, the government plans to develop comprehensive bonded zones in strategic locations, which will integrate with ports and other transport infrastructure, creating seamless trade routes for both imports and exports. This effort is expected to improve efficiency in logistics, reduce costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of China’s western provinces.

The measures are part of China’s long-standing goal to narrow the economic gap between its western and coastal regions. While coastal provinces such as Guangdong and Zhejiang have experienced rapid economic growth, China’s western provinces, including Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Tibet, have remained comparatively underdeveloped. The disparity has long been a challenge for Beijing, prompting initiatives such as the "Go West" policy, which focuses on infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and energy resource exploitation in these areas.

Beijing has faced criticism from some Western nations over its security policies in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet, particularly in response to ethnic tensions and the controversial implementation of security measures. However, the Chinese government has insisted that such actions are necessary for maintaining national unity and safeguarding border stability, particularly in areas with significant ethnic minorities and strategic geopolitical importance.

The new development measures are expected to drive economic growth in the western regions with Europe and South Asia. Trade corridors connecting China to Europe and South Asia, have already shown potential for boosting exports and reducing transportation costs. These new initiatives are poised to build on these efforts, enhancing the flow of goods and people across borders.