China’s Western Region Set for Epic Development Opportunities
The focus is primarily on the three major western cities: Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an. Why will the west now see development opportunities? The reason is straightforward: it's a result of the US-China rivalry. Sino-American tensions have made the old model of exporting goods via maritime routes to the United States far less viable. Consequently, China is very likely to revive the Silk Road—a network running across the Eurasian landmass since the Han dynasty—to unlock a pan-Eurasian market. (If you won't play with me, I'll build a Eurasian market myself.) The Belt and Road Initiative will also receive greater policy and resource support.
For these cities, this inevitably means more resources and talent flowing in. But whether they can foster a genuine sense of local belonging among that talent—rather than becoming a fleeting boom—is a real test of governance. Look at the past decline of China's three northeastern provinces.
Is the West about to enjoy an epic opportunity?
