Regional Features and National Differences in Population Distribution in China’s Border Regions (2000–2015)

Zhen You,Yalin Lei,Zhiming Feng,Yanzhao Yang,Fangzhou Li

doi:10.3390/su9030336

Abstract

China is of great geostrategic significance not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also in the wider world. The population distribution in China’s border regions is of significance for the development of China and neighboring countries. Based on the LandScan Population Distribution Database, this study used GIS spatial analysis and statistics to investigate national trends in the population distribution of China’s border regions. The study areas were the buffer zones within specified Euclidean distances from the land borders of China. The results showed that: (1) Although the population agglomeration index and population size inside China’s border areas have increased, the population density inside China’s border areas is still far below China’s average population density; (2) Over the last 15 years, the population of China’s northwestern border has been sparse, with small increases in the population agglomeration index and population size. China’s northeastern and southwestern border regions have several average population density areas, but the northeastern regions have seen a substantial reduction in population size since 2000. Based on our analysis, we propose that the Chinese government introduce supporting policies for the development of border regions to maintain the population size. At the same time, considering the varied living suitability of the natural environment along the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern borders, “moderate agglomeration” and “moderate evacuation” population development strategies should be implemented in specified areas. Tilt policy should also be implemented in areas of rapid population decline.

Highlights

IntroductionKnown as frontier areas, are territories close to national boundaries
Border regions, known as frontier areas, are territories close to national boundaries
China is located in the center of Asia with a land border stretching 21,000 km, and it is in contact with 14 neighboring countries

Summary

Introduction

Known as frontier areas, are territories close to national boundaries. China is located in the center of Asia with a land border stretching 21,000 km, and it is in contact with 14 neighboring countries. With China’s ongoing reforms and opening-up processes, cultural and economic exchanges and cooperation with neighboring countries in border areas (In this paper, “border region” refers to areas inside and outside border regions close to China’s land border lines.) are becoming more common. Given their special geographic locations and settlements of ethnic minorities, the border regions are becoming very sensitive areas for China in terms of maintaining foreign and ethnic relations. Domestic and international research on China’s borders has mainly focused on social and economic development [1–4], resources and environmental problems [5–10], border management [11,12], trade and cooperation with neighboring countries [13–19], and security issues [20–26]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion