China Policy Research Articles

Intergenerational transmission of fertility: evidence from China's population control policies

Abstract This paper examines how the number of siblings that parents have affects their fertility decisions in China. The population control policies in China affected individuals unequally across birth cohorts and regions. The exogenous variation in fertility is used to identify the effect of the number of siblings on the number of children for the next generation. The results show that a couple tends to have 0.034–0.068 more children (2.3–4.6% of the average number of children) and is 2.4–6.8 percentage points more likely to violate the One-Child Policy (9.3–27.1% of the violation rate) if the husband and the wife have one more sibling each. Moreover, the effect on fertility is stronger for couples in lower-income provinces where the fertility rate is higher and in rural areas where the One-Child Policy was enforced less strictly. Finally, I show that the ideal family size of the husband and wife is an important channel through which the number of siblings affects fertility. I also find that the effect of people's number of siblings has a larger effect on their ideal number of children than on their actual number of children, suggesting that they are constrained from achieving their fertility ideals.

Optimization and Application of Comprehensive Environmental-Economic Evaluation Indicator System in Sustainable Development Policies of Chinese Manufacturing Industry

This paper focuses on optimizing the comprehensive environmental-economic evaluation index system to enhance the sustainable development policy of China’s manufacturing industry. The current indicator system, while useful, has notable shortcomings that limit its effectiveness. To address these issues, the paper proposes the inclusion of crucial indicators such as green productivity, carbon footprint, and water footprint, which are essential for providing a more holistic evaluation. These additions aim to capture better the environmental impacts and resource efficiency within the manufacturing sector. The paper also discusses the challenges in data acquisition, emphasizing the need for a standardized national environmental data platform. Such a platform would facilitate the collection of accurate, reliable, and accessible data, thereby improving the precision of evaluations. To further refine the assessment process, dynamic evaluation models, like the system dynamics model, are introduced. These models are designed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the environmental impacts over time, allowing for more responsive and adaptive policy-making. The optimized indicator system is expected to have significant applications in policy formulation, enterprise management, and social oversight. By providing a scientific basis for decision-making, it will play a critical role in advancing the sustainable development of China’s manufacturing industry, ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into economic planning and industrial practices.

Accessibility evaluation and multi-scenario optimization of medical services in underdeveloped city driven by multi-source data and latest policies for China

Accessibility evaluation and multi-scenario optimization of medical services in underdeveloped city driven by multi-source data and latest policies for China

Mapping the Evolving Landscape of Library-Related Policies in China: A Topic Modeling Approach

This study aims to investigate the thematic characteristics and evolutionary patterns of library policies in China from 1949 to 2023. Employing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model, the research analyzed 2,703 Chinese government-issued policies related to libraries during this period, identifying key topics and tracing their developmental trajectories. The study recognized four distinct developmental phases, five major topics, and the underlying connections among feature terms within different topics. It discussed the corresponding topic strengths and evolving trends in each phase. Library policies in China are predominantly centered on five key domains: 1) spatial planning and architectural integration, 2) information management and transparency, 3) legal regulations and supervisory enforcement, 4) heritage preservation and sustainable development, and 5) community inclusion and accessibility. Notably, spatial planning and architectural integration consistently garner substantial attention, highlighting their enduring prominence, while there is relatively less emphasis on community inclusion and accessibility, as well as heritage preservation and sustainable development. The contribution of this study lies in conducting a semantic exploration of the overall transformation in library-related policies in China, validating the effectiveness of the LDA model in identifying topics within policy texts, and expanding the research perspective on library policy evolution.

Research and Suggestions on Improving the Carbon Emission Management Capacity of Coal-fired Power Plants

This paper discusses how coal-fired power plants can improve their carbon emissions management capabilities in the context of the 2030 carbon peak policy. The article first outlines the current status of implementing carbon peak policies in China’s energy sector, analyzes the current status of carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, including carbon emission intensity, progress in low-carbon transformation, and the operation of the carbon emissions trading market. Subsequently, the article proposes six suggestions for improving the carbon emissions management capabilities of coal-fired power plants, and provides typical cases for each suggestion. Finally, the article looks forward to the challenges and opportunities faced by coal-fired power plants in carbon emissions management in the future, and emphasizes the importance of improving carbon emissions management capabilities for coal-fired power plants.

Perceived quality of parent-child interaction in parents of autistic children: relationship with parental education level.

Most autism research was conducted in Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) countries. This study is the first to examine factors that were associated with perceived quality of parent-child interaction in non-WEIRD parents of autistic children. Ninety-one Chinese parents of autistic children (82 females, 9 males) completed an online survey which involved two sections. The first section included demographics questions about the parent and the family, including age, gender, educational level, and household income. It also assessed parents' perceived quality of parent-child interaction and their autistic traits. The second section included demographics questions about their autistic child, including age and gender, and assessed autistic traits and behavioural problems. Parent's education level was associated with and the only predictor of their perceived quality of parent-child interaction. The higher educational level in parents the higher quality of parent-child interaction was perceived by the parents. These findings underscored the significance of parents' education level as a unique predictor of perceived parent-child interaction quality among Chinese parents of autistic children, providing implications to corresponding education and social policies in China and other non-WEIRD countries.

Regional Development Policies in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries: A Comparative Analysis

This essay explores the regional development policies applied in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries using a comparative qualitative analysis method. It focuses on infrastructure development, human capital investment, regional integration, and technological innovation policies. It compares development policies in China, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan highlighting key projects which have fostered regional connectivity and economic growth. By comparing these policies, the essay evaluates how these initiatives have contributed to reducing regional disparities. This study aims to provide insights into how regional development policies can address Afghanistan’s socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable development. Despite notable successes, the research identifies ongoing challenges such as political instability, limited financial resources, and weak regional cooperation that impede further progress in Afghanistan. Key policy recommendations for Afghanistan include enhancing regional cooperation, investing in technological infrastructure, and developing human capital to achieve sustainable growth and stability.

What influences the development of wine-producing regions? New economic opportunities in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in China

The formation and development of wine regions require unique natural conditions and hundreds of years of technical and cultural accumulation. The development of the wine industry at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in China, in addition to the appropriate geographical environment, the technical migration, and talent flow supported by consistent policies, have improved the allocation ability of resource factors and conversion efficiency, making it a world-renowned new wine-producing region in just 40 years. This particular mechanism deserves attention as new industries develop in other parts of the world. Using the methods of spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis, and geographic detector, this paper comprehensively analyzes the growth and spatial evolution characteristics of wineries in the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in China and deeply discusses the mechanism of the interaction between the localization of global floating capital and China's unique regional economic policies. It is found that the local selection of global floating capital has a spatial locking effect on the formation of CHMWR, and the rolling support policies of China's central and local governments promote the rapid expansion and regional spread of the number and scale of wineries, with significant spatial agglomeration and spatial diffusion. The profound mechanism of such changes lies in the dual interaction of the local selection of global liquid capital and the Chinese government's wine-producing policies adapted to the geographical environment. In this process, a series of internal and external factors such as the innovation of grape planting and wine-making technology, consumer market, and government behavior have accelerated the continuous growth of the wine-producing region at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in Ningxia. This paper adds a new understanding and deep understanding of the interaction between the local implantation of economic globalization and the macro-control policies of the Chinese government.

The mining of China's policies against COVID-19 based on a policy target and tool co-evolution framework

Mining all COVID-19 policies issued by China can provide valuable lessons for both China and other countries in future pandemic control efforts. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for mining the co-evolution of policy targets and policy tools. We employ bibliometric methods, text mining, and network analysis to explore the entire evolution of China's COVID-19 policies. Examining 1154 central government policies, (a) we extract policy targets from each policy, uncovering their evolution across different stages of the pandemic; (b) propose to identify the policy tool used in each policy unit by integrating an automatic identification model and active learning. We also reveal the categorical structure of these tools; (c) characterize the co-evolution pattern between policy targets and policy tools, shedding light on their dynamic relationship. Our findings indicate that policy targets have shifted across various stages, revealing unique characteristics in China's COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. Notably, there is a self-paradox between prevention measures and economic development. We identify the inadequateness in the distribution and utilization of policy tools. Ensuring the alignment of policy targets with appropriate tools is crucial. This synchronization and co-evolution between policy targets and tools are essential for enhancing the functional approach to policy implementation. This paper is the first systematic mining and review about the COVID-19 policies issued by the Chinese government, and our policy target and tool co-evolution mining framework provides a new quantitative framework for policy mining, especially an improved large language model and active learning theory are integrated to identify the policy tools automatically.

The effect of intellectual capital and venture capital on enterprise values: evidence from China

PurposeIntellectual capital (IC) and venture capital (VC) play an important role in enterprise development. While the literature has investigated the relationship between IC and the profitability of companies, the relationship among IC, VC and enterprise value (EV) is still not well understood.Design/methodology/approachDrawing insights from the literature, we develop a few testable hypotheses about the relationships among IC, VC and EV. Using the panel data of companies listed in the Chinese stock market from 2009 to 2019, we employ fixed-effects regression models to test these hypotheses.FindingsWe find that IC has a significant positive effect on long-term EV. VC is found to have a positive direct effect on long-term EV but has a negative direct effect when its moderating effect with IC is considered. To explain this finding, we develop a simple economic model and provide an over-investment perspective.Originality/valueWe believe this paper can shed light on pro-venture investment policies in China, as well as provide indications for similar policies around the world.

Transformative social work education through a joint MSW programme: from participatory action research to policy and practice innovation in China

ABSTRACT In China, social work was reestablished in 1988. Despite the number of social work programmes increased very fast throughout the 1990s, there was a huge need for social work-trained educators. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Peking University launched the MSW (China) Programme in 2000 to create a critical mass of social work educators who would assume future leadership in social work development in mainland China. Participatory action research was employed as a methodology to explore how social work education could transform students into catalysts for social work education and social development. Purposive sampling was adopted, and seven cohorts totaling 238 graduates who graduated from the programme were the participants in this research. Data collection and analysis were carried out throughout the action research process. We found the triple capacity building model to be a good pedagogy to foster transformation among participants, and to steer the knowledge co-creation, practice innovation, policy reform, and social change through social work education. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the background, vision, and mission, as well as the teaching pedagogy of the programme and a case study to demonstrate how social work education has an impact on policy and practice innovation in China.

Professionalisation of initial teacher education in China: 1974–2024

ABSTRACT Over the past 50 years, China’s initial teacher education (ITE) system has undergone significant changes and improvements. To review and reflect on these experiences, we construct a multi-level, context-specific conceptualisation of ITE professionalisation. Guided by this framework, we segment the history of ITE professionalisation into three phases: the specialising phase (1974–1998), the upgrading phase (1998–2012), and the quality-equity balancing phase (2012-present). The specialising phase is characterised by a single-purpose ITE system that is directly governed by educational authorities. The upgrading phase involves a policy-driven enhancement of ITE within higher education institutions and the transition from single-purpose to general-purpose institutions, reflecting broader transformations in higher education policies in China. The quality-equity balancing phase focuses on policies aimed at improving the quality of ITE while ensuring equitable access to high-quality teachers in underdeveloped regions and hard-to-staff rural schools. Our historical review contributes new insights into ITE research, offers practical implications for ITE reform and improvement, and raises questions for further investigation of ITE in both the Chinese context and internationally.

Is unassisted smoking cessation choice and success associated with high mental stress? Evidence from six cities in China.

Unassisted smoking cessation (USC) is a method of quitting smoking driven by self-determination without the support of professional cessation assistance. This approach may contribute to a potential decrease in overall smoking prevalence within a population. However, the factors potentially influencing smokers' choice of USC and their success remain unclear. This study examined the associations between mental stress and USC choice and success. Between June and September 2016, a cross-sectional multistage sampling design was used to interview subjects from six selected cities in China. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, USC choice, and success. Mental stress was measured by the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between mental stress, USC choice, and success, with adjustments for relevant covariates. Among 1647 smokers who had attempted or had quit, 91.6% (95% CI: 90.9-97.5) reported that they had done so without assistance, and 42.1% (95% CI: 32.4-61.3) of them achieved abstinence. While mental stress was not significantly associated with USC success (χ2=2.02, p=0.1547), smokers experiencing high levels of mental stress were 0.34 times less likely (95% CI: 0.23-0.50) to attempt USC compared to those with low levels of mental stress. Moreover, a significant negative linear association was observed between varying levels of mental stress and the prevalence of USC use (R2=0.910, p<0.001). The study findings should help to understand USC and its role in reducing smoking prevalence in the Chinese population. These findings can inform future tobacco control programs and policies in China. Government and social agencies should prioritize understanding smokers' preferences for USC and providing USC services to promote success within the population.

An Analysis on the Divergence of Monetary Policies Between China and the United States and Its Impact on the Trend of RMB Exchange Rate

The monetary policies of China and the US have differed due to their differing economic circumstances and stages of growth, which has had a significant impact on the RMB exchange rate's trend. This paper uses empirical analysis to examine the three channelsmarket expectations, China's foreign trade, and international capital flowsthrough which the monetary policy divergence between the two countries influences the RMB exchange rate. It also provides a detailed introduction to the historical development and current state of the policy divergence between the two countries.The findings demonstrate how market expectations are impacted by China and the US's divergent monetary policies, which first alter the US dollar index and interest rate disparity before influencing the direction of the RMB exchange rate. Finally, relevant suggestions are put forward on how to keep the RMB stable while addressing the strain on China's monetary policy brought on by the US and China's divergent monetary policies.

Assessing the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on China’s carbon emissions

AbstractThe gradual adjustment of fertility and retirement policies in China has social benefits in terms of coping with population aging. However, the environmental consequences of these policies remain ambiguous. Here we compile environmentally extended multiregional input–output tables to estimate household carbon footprints for different population age groups in China. Subsequently, we estimate the age-sex-specific population under different fertility policies up to 2060 and assess the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. We find that Chinese young people have relatively higher household carbon footprints than their older counterparts due to differences in income by age group. Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age are associated with an increase in population (and labour supply) and thus increases in household carbon footprints, with the majority of these increases from the fertility side. These results may help policymakers understand interactions among those measures targeting population aging and climate action.

Living With Digital Government: Effects of Technology Anxiety on Public Support for Policy in China

Living With Digital Government: Effects of Technology Anxiety on Public Support for Policy in China

Rural E-commerce, Digital finance, and urban–rural common prosperity: A Quasi-natural Experiment Based on China's Comprehensive Demonstration of E-commerce Entering Rural Areas Policy

This study examined the impact of China's Comprehensive Demonstration of E-commerce Entering Rural Areas Policy (hereafter “the Policy”) on urban–rural shared prosperity. The empirical analyses indicate that the Policy has significantly elevated urban–rural common prosperity while exhibiting regional disparities. China's eastern region has shown the most substantial positive impact, followed by the central region and the western region. The findings illustrate the pivotal role of digital finance as a mediating factor in enhancing common prosperity through e-commerce initiatives in rural areas. These findings offer empirical evidence for formulating and refining urban–rural development policies in China.

Analysis of Regional Economic Cooperation in Asia and Policy Options for China

Recent years have witnessed a robust growth momentum in regional economic cooperation in Asia, marking it as an indispensable component of global economic development. With the acceleration of globalization and the deepening of regional integration, cooperation among Asian nations in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure has progressively intensified. Particularly under China's impetus, the signing of free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) signifies a new phase in Asia's regional economic cooperation. As the world's second-largest economy, China, with its vast market and vigorous economic growth, plays an increasingly pivotal role in regional economic collaboration. China's policy choices not only influence the sustainable development of its own economy but also have a profound impact on the entire economic landscape of Asia. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the current state, mechanisms, and characteristics of regional economic cooperation in Asia, along with an analysis of China's policy choices in this process, holds significant theoretical and practical importance.

Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) – Economic corridor: an opportunity for regional connectivity and development cooperation in south and Southeast Asia

China is the largest country in terms of the purchasing power parity (PPP); and the country has started to invest hugely in the developing countries of the Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle-East. It wants to be connected with Europe, Africa and Middle East through its economic corridors such as BCIM, BRI, MSR and OBOR. It can be mentioned here that most of the South and Southeast countries are poor and need huge investment in the infrastructural projects. Therefore, the concept of BCIM is a win-win geostrategic and economic policy for South, Southeast and China. On the other hand, India is largest country in terms of the size of population; and its economy is also rising rapidly. And this country also needs huge investment and development cooperation from the different countries including China. Besides, Bangladesh is a lower middle-income country; it also wants to grow rapidly in terms of economic growth, transfer of technology and infrastructural developments. On other hand, Myanmar is a developing country in Southeast Asia which requires vast developments, transfer of technology, foreign investments in the coastal regions and regional connectivity for economic growth and development. Therefore, carrying out study on BCIM economic corridor is extremely important in the region. It’s a qualitative study in the context of mythology. This study has found that implementation of BCIM economic corridor is very important for South and Southeast Asia including Bangladesh for regional connectivity, trade and investment and development cooperation.

Evaluating the carbon emission reduction in construction and demolition waste management in China

Construction and demolition waste reduction (C&DWR) is an important measure to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the construction sector. The present policy in China remains a lack of emphasis on carbon tax and penalty for reducing construction waste. This paper proposes a construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management model to identify the waste reduction effects of various policies in China. It simulates the effects of single policies and combined policies on waste reduction and carbon emission by using the approach of integrating system dynamics and grey model theory. The results reveal that: (1) Penalties can effectively reduce the amount of illegal dump waste and carbon emissions from illegal dump waste, with an appropriate penalty value (in Chinese CNY) suggested as ∈160,320. (2) Subsidies can vastly increase the amount of waste recycled and a carbon tax can reduce carbon emissions; the recommended values are suggested as subsidies ∈30,45 and carbon tax ∈40,70. (3) Compared to other policies, the combined policy of penalty–waste disposal charging fee–subsidy–carbon tax (160, 60, 45, 70) achieves the greatest environmental benefits in terms of reducing waste and carbon emission. (4) Governments should improve waste minimization incentive policies and gradually introduce trials for a carbon tax policy, encourage the use of digital governance combined with blockchain technology to regulate C&DW. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective waste reduction strategies and promote sustainability through the implementation of C&DWR theories.