Chinese Policymakers Research Articles

Measurement of labor reallocation effect in China

Improving the labor reallocation effect can promote the transformation of the driving force of economic growth and enable high-quality development. Therefore, this study constructs a growth source model from the perspective of human capital, considering labor price distortion and time-varying factor elasticity to measure the effect of labor reallocation under the crossover of provincial industries and analyze the impact of labor reallocation on employment share. The relevant findings are threefold. Aoki (2012)) The distortion of labor price is the largest in the primary industry, followed by the tertiary and secondary industries. Bai and Liu (2018)) Measuring the labor reallocation effect from the perspective of human capital allocation reveals a 3.7 % overall loss of the effect under allocation distortion compared with that under effective allocation. Bakas et al. (2017)) In terms of industrial structure adjustment, compared with the labor share under effective allocation, that of the primary industry still requires a 0.25 reduction, and that of the secondary and tertiary industries should be reduced by 0.07 and 0.18, respectively. The research results provide valuable insights for Chinese policymakers to further improve the market economy system and adjust the industrial structure to optimize resource allocation and advance economic growth.

Board gender diversity and corporate litigation: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of board gender diversity on corporate litigation in China’s listed firms. The key questions this study addresses are: what are the effect of board gender diversity on corporate litigation in terms of both the frequency and severity of consequence, is there any heterogeneous effects of the relationships across firm performance?Design/methodology/approachA sample consists of 25,668 firm-year observations from over 3,340 firms is examined using logistic regression analysis and negative binomial regression analysis. The authors also use event study method and ordinary least square (OLS) regression to explore female directors’ effects on reducing the negative consequences of litigation. The logistic regression and OLS regression are reestimated with interaction terms when examining the firm performance heterogeneity.FindingsThe authors document that firms with greater female representation on their boards experience fewer and less severe corporate litigations. Moreover, in high-performing firms, board gender diversity plays a more potent role in reducing the frequency and consequences of corporate litigation than low-performing firms.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the relationship between board gender diversity and the comprehensive corporate litigations under Chinese context. It sheds new light on China’s boardroom dynamics, offering valuable empirical implication to Chinese corporate policymakers on the role of female directors.

Association Between Temporary Employment and Gradient Health Outcomes Among Chinese Workers.

Temporary workers' health problems in China have raised concerns recently. This study aimed to assess the relationship between temporary employment and three health outcomes with gradient severity and explore mediating mechanisms. Data was obtained from a national cross-sectional survey (China General Social Survey 2018). Compared with regular workers, temporary workers reported more frequent mood disorders (β = 0.197) and disturbance of daily activities (β = 0.132), however, there was no significant difference in serious health risks (inpatient treatment) between temporary and regular workers. Income poverty, subjective social status, and family relative socioeconomic status were significant mediators. The results suggest that temporary workers have higher general health risks, and economic deprivation is the main mechanism. Therefore, Chinese policymakers should provide more inclusive preventive health services beyond the existing health care system focused on critical illness to reduce the general health risks of grassroots workers.

LMDI decomposition of coal consumption in China based on the energy allocation diagram of coal flows: An update for 2005–2020 with improved sectoral resolutions

Chinese policymakers are addressing climate change by altering the coal-heavy energy structure. Although coal propelled economic growth, its environmental impacts challenge sustainable development. To balance growth with environmental care, the authorities aim to decrease coal use and enhance clean coal technologies. Thus, understanding coal consumption mechanisms and influencing factors is vital. Actions include adjusting economic structures, lowering energy intensity, enhancing energy layouts, increasing coal-fired efficiency, and optimising power sources. This study used the energy allocation analysis–logarithmic mean Divisia index (EAA–LMDI) decomposition method to examine coal consumption changes from 2005 to 2010, 2010–2015, and 2015–2020. A distinctive feature of this study is that it integrated the EAA method to meticulously consider technical factors that are rarely considered by other researchers. These are the primary factors restraining coal consumption growth. This study also used Sankey diagrams to illustrate the formation mechanisms of coal consumption in China. The findings highlight the contributions of economic development, energy intensity, economic structure adjustments, end-use energy structure, coal-fired power generation efficiency, and power source adjustments to changes in coal consumption in China. The insights of this study can support policymakers in designing effective policies for achieving sustainable energy development and reducing coal consumption in China.

Gender differences in happiness in Chinese society: The role of parental preference for sons over daughters

ObjectiveThis paper studies the relationship between Chinese parents' preference for sons over daughters in childhood and these children's happiness in adulthood. BackgroundHappiness is an important dimension for measuring a society's well-being and a lifelong goal for many Chinese citizens deeply influenced by Confucianism. However, China's relatively low world ranking on happiness is worrisome for Chinese policymakers and prompts the question of whether the concept of “preference for sons” is related to lower adult happiness. MethodsThis study used the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to analyze the relationship between parents' preference for sons over daughters in one's childhood and adult happiness using the least squares method. An instrumental variable method was used to address endogeneity concerns. In addition, the Karlson–Holm–Breen method was used to analyze the mediating effects of childhood educational opportunities and health resources. ResultsParents' preference for sons over daughters in one's childhood was positively related to the happiness of male adults but negatively for female adults. Childhood education opportunities and childhood health resources have a mediating effect on the relationship between parental preference for boys and children's happiness in adulthood. ConclusionsParents’ preference for sons over daughters substantially explains the gender gap in happiness in adult Chinese citizens. Reducing the idea of prioritizing boys over girls has the potential to improve the happiness level of adults.

The forecast ability of a belief-based momentum indicator in full-day, daytime, and nighttime volatilities of Chinese oil futures

China launched its domestic crude oil futures market in 2018 and this nascent market is steadily developing. Studying volatility predictability for Chinese crude oil futures has important academic and practical significance. In this study, we examine the predictive impacts of a novel predictor, the belief-based momentum indicator of conditional past return (CPR), a cluster of predictors from the domestic (Chinese) stock and oil markets and the US stock and options markets, and global finance-related indicators. In addition to the full-day oil realized volatility (ORV), we also forecast the daytime and nighttime ORVs. First, we find that the novel CPR indicator has significant incremental predictive information for the full-day, daytime, and nighttime ORVs, whether in the short, middle, or long term. Furthermore, the CPR indicator is the most reliable among the four endogenous predictors. Second, predictors of the Chinese stock market have no effective predictive information; instead, predictors from the US stock and options market have great impacts on future Chinese ORVs. Third, our evidence shows that the predictability of the night ORV is half that of the daytime ORV, and the VIX is relevant for the nighttime ORV. Our research helps Chinese policymakers improve the crude oil market mechanism and prevent market risks.

Spatial scales of inflation and deflation

Isabella Weber’s book is a prodigious contribution to the political economy of Chinese development. One of the text’s most valuable contributions is its identification of the consistently anti-inflationary stance of CCP policy. Its coverage of debates surrounding price stability and liberalisation during the shifts away from the plan in the late 1980s is particularly valuable. Here, I focus on the question of inflation, which since 2021 has dramatically appeared on the agenda for the first time in the professional lives of many political economists and geographers in the global north. The book provides valuable, fine-grained evidence from contemporary Chinese policymakers (above all through a reading of Zhao Ziyang’s writings) to make the case that the inflationary pressures experienced in China as the government experimented with reforming the planned economy during the late 1980s were not principally monetary phenomena – nor were they understood as such by contemporary actors. I build on the text by showing how it demonstrates the relevance of exploring the inflation question at a variety of spatial scales. I conclude by considering how contemporary Chinese policymakers may negotiate this inflationary ‘scale-jumping’.

The role of agricultural machinery in improving green grain productivity in China: Towards trans-regional operation and low-carbon practices

Agricultural machinery is effective in improving food production and labor productivity, but it also raises environmental concerns. The impacts of agricultural machinery on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of grain in China are still under debate in the scientific literature. This study proposed an integrated framework for confronting this issue. The findings suggest that both agricultural mechanization and the GTFP of grain demonstrate a consistent upward trend with moderate fluctuations between 2001 and 2019. By expanding the spatial pattern, there is a positive spatial correlation between them. In addition, we compared the results in three grain functional areas by using the spatial Durbin model (SDM). There were significantly positive spatial spillover effects in major grain-producing areas, which were attributed to the trans-regional operation of agricultural machinery and its carbon reduction effects on neighboring provinces. Notably, the direct effects in major grain-marketing areas and producing-marketing balance areas were significantly positive because agricultural machinery has played a critical role in filling the gap in local labor shortages in grain production. Accordingly, adaptive strategies including building the “Internet + agricultural machinery operation” platform, implementing the land consolidation suitable for machinery, and developing low-carbon agricultural machinery should be fully considered by Chinese policy-makers to promote mechanized agriculture and a low-carbon economy. The findings of this study can help us better understand the role of agricultural machinery in improving green grain productivity in China and thus have significance for the modern and green transformation of agricultural production systems.

Publishing in English or Chinese: a qualitative analysis of Chinese researchers' academic language choice.

Non-native language scholars often struggle to choose between English and their native language in scholarly publishing. This study aims to identify the mechanism by which journal attributes influence language choice by investigating the perspectives of 18 Chinese scholars through semi-structured interviews. Drawing on grounded theory, this study develops a model for how journal attributes influence researchers' language preferences. We find that journal attributes influence researchers' perceived value which, in turn, affects their particular language choice, with contextual factors playing a moderating role. By examining the motivations underlying Chinese scholars' language choice, this study provides a critical understanding of the factors shaping their decision-making processes. These findings have significant implications for Chinese scholars, policymakers, and journal operators, shedding light on the issue of discrimination in academic publishing. Addressing these concerns is crucial for fostering a fair and inclusive academic environment.

On conflict of natural resources-carbon emissions nexus in China: The role of economic policy uncertainty

Environmental degradation has been an acute issue all over the world, especially in emerging economies. Being an emerging economy, China also witnesses this issue. Therefore, actions have been taken by the Chinese policymakers to wane CO2 emissions, which in turn lead to environmental degradation. However, policy actions need strong research-backed evidence on the drivers of CO2 emissions. Hence, researchers explore the determinants of CO2 emissions. Prior literature explores how economic policy uncertainty and natural resources impact CO2 emissions, however, the role of economic policy uncertainty amid the natural resource-emissions nexus remains ignored. That is, the interaction effect of EPU and NRR remains ignored in the existing literature. Hence, the present study attempts to investigate the natural resources-CO2 emissions nexus amidst economic policy uncertainty in China. The analysis adopts annual time series data covering the period 1989–2021. This study employs the novel Fourier ARDL to provide authentic outcomes. The results document that natural resources escalate emissions. Moreover, the synergy of natural resources and economic policy uncertainty also upsurges CO2 emissions. Thus, we propose to wane economic policy uncertainty to circumvent the environmental impacts of natural resources.

A study on the differential effects of heterogeneous environmental regulations on the green transformation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises under “Double Carbon” target

Using panel data of Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2015 to 2021, we examine the effects of heterogeneous environmental regulations on the green transformation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises under “Double Carbon” target, and reveal the mediating role played by managers' green perception in the process from an intra-firm perspective. We find that three environmental regulation tools, namely environmental administrative supervision, environmental economic regulation and environmental soft constraint, all contribute significantly to the green transformation of manufacturing enterprises. Among them, environmental economic regulation is the most effective in promoting the green transformation of manufacturing enterprises, followed by environmental soft constraint and environmental administrative supervision. The mechanism analysis shows that managers' green perception is partially mediated between heterogeneous environmental regulations and the green transformation of manufacturing enterprises. Moreover, environmental administrative supervision is the most effective in raising managers' green perception among them, followed by environmental economic regulation and environmental soft constraint. Further analysis shows that the positive effect of heterogeneous environmental regulations on the green transformation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises is more significant when the enterprises locate in regions with high policy uncertainty, in the eastern part of the country, or when the enterprises are state-owned enterprises. The conclusions provide a theoretical basis for Chinese environmental policymakers to flexibly adopt differentiated environmental regulation tools.

Environmental law, environmental policy stringency, and development of environmental technologies in China.

China's fast industrialization and economic expansion has led to environmental degradation, prompting the government to implement a slew of environmental regulations and laws. This article examines how China's stringent environmental policies and legislation have impacted the development of environmental technology. The study's panel of Chinese companies confirmed that more stringent regulations really spurred innovation in green technology. This research lends credence to the premise that stricter environmental regulations are helpful in inspiring the development of cleaner technology that may help mitigate environmental issues. Research also shows that tighter environmental legislation increases environmental policy's effect on technological development. According to these results, environmental law may improve the efficiency of environmental policy by providing a hospitable framework for the application of technological innovation. The findings of this research have significant implications for Chinese policymakers committed to fostering sustainable development. The need of rigorous environmental rules to support comprehensive environmental policies that promote the development of greener technology is emphasized. The results shed even more light on how crucial it is to enforce environmental laws in order to ensure that environmental policies are effectively implemented. In essence, this study contributes to the expanding body of knowledge on the link between environmental policy and technical advancement by illuminating the potential for China's environmental policy and law to work together to encourage sustainable development. China's investment in green tech research and development may mitigate the environmental damage caused by its rapid economic growth.

Market integration and market leadership: Evidence for cyprinoid markets in China

Cyprinoids are important for food security in China, and information about the degree of integration of the markets for cyprinoids is valuable to Chinese policy makers in their attempt to regulate the fisheries and aquaculture industry. This study investigates horizontal and vertical market integration of three species of carps (grass, common and silver) at two stages of the value chain (ex-farm and retail). The study implements a Vector-Error-Correction model, and it uses monthly data ranging from 2015 to 2019. The study shows that with the exception of the markets for common and grass carps at the retail stage, markets are, at best, partially integrated. Horizontally, only the common and the grass carps show significant price transmission. At both value chain stages, the price relationship is bidirectional, and no clear-cut market leadership exists. Vertically, the price relationship is also bidirectional for the common and the grass carp, but the silver carp shows no significant market integration across the value chain.

The impact of regulation on cryptocurrency market volatility in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic — evidence from China

This paper aims to examine the impact of regulatory policies on cryptocurrency market volatility in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that price volatility, liquidity volatility, and return volatility in the cryptocurrency market increased significantly following regulatory announcements by Chinese policymakers targeting the cryptocurrency industry, and this effect was more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It indicates that investors are paying a great deal of attention to such events. Yet further findings suggest that as the risk of pandemic transmission increases and stock market returns decline, investor response to regulation decreases. Our findings also suggest that while regulation typically brings market volatility in cryptocurrencies, the release of regulatory policies can instead be beneficial to the stability of the cryptocurrency market when investors are in an highly greedy mood.

A new look at China’s environmental quality: how does environmental sustainability respond to the asymmetrical behavior of the competitive industrial sector?

ABSTRACT This research aims to expand the existing literature by bringing a new perspective to China’s environmental quality. Existing literature concerning China’s environmental sustainability disregards competitive industrial performance, which allows the analysis of Sustainable Development Goal-9. The study investigates the impact of competitive industrial performance, economic growth, and renewable energy consumption on the environmental quality (represented by load capacity factor) within the load capacity curve framework. Considering the positive and negative shocks in industrial competitiveness, the study runs the novel asymmetric ARDL with Fourier terms method to examine the non-linear connection between competitiveness and the environment. Empirical analysis shows that industrial competitiveness asymmetrically affects environmental quality and that the load capacity curve hypothesis is invalid in China. It is also evident that renewable energy contributes to environmental quality. Based on these findings, the study presents sustainable development policies for China within the framework of SDG targets. In this context, country’s rapid growth and higher-order industrial competitiveness strategies need to be redesigned in order to increase the share of high-tech activities in total manufacturing and the portion of renewable energy in total energy use. Accordingly, the Chinese policymakers’ primary objectives should be regulations that guide fundamental principles for enhancing environmental quality while preserving the country’s rapid growth and competitive advantage in the industrial process.

Developing a Core Outcome Set for Assessing Clinical Safety Outcomes of Prostate Cancer in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Among the common malignant tumors in men worldwide, the incidence of prostate cancer ranks second to lung cancer. This disease will bring an economic burden to patients and their families and can reduce the quality of life of patients. Researchers have conducted numerous clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of different interventions in the treatment of prostate cancer with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with standard treatment regimens. However, the currently published clinical trials exhibit inconsistent and irregular reporting of outcome measures. The objective of this paper is to emphasize the need for a core outcome set (COS) to facilitate future prostate cancer research, aiming to improve the quality of trials and generate high-quality evidence. This mixed methods project has three phases, as follows: (1) a scoping review of the literature to identify outcomes that have been reported in clinical trials and systematic reviews of interventions involving TCM for the treatment of prostate cancer as well as a qualitative component using interviews to obtain the views of patients with prostate cancer, their families, and their caregivers who have a history of TCM treatment; (2) a Delphi survey among stakeholders to prioritize the core outcomes-Participants will include traditional Chinese and Western medicine clinicians in prostate cancer-related directions, nurses, and methodology experts who will participate in 2 rounds of the Delphi method expert consultation to score each outcome in the list of outcome indicators; and (3) a face-to-face consensus meeting to discuss and agree on the final COS for the application of TCM in the treatment of prostate cancer. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022356184) before the start of the review process, and we will initiate the review on August 1, 2023; results should be expected by September 1, 2023. The Delphi survey among stakeholders is expected to start in October 2023. The development of a core outcome set for assessing clinical safety outcomes of prostate cancer in clinical trials of TCM will provide a significant first step to assist Chinese doctors, researchers, and policy makers. PROSPERO CRD42022356184; https://tinyurl.com/ysakz74r. PRR1-10.2196/46794.

The Development of Modern Chinese Education System Since 1949 and the Key Factors That Impact It

Modern Chinese education system underwent profound changes since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, over the past few decades. In 2021, for students enrolled in compulsory education, the Chinese government has proposed a strategy to lessen the weight of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring. This so-called Double Reduction policy has laid a hard restriction on the decentralization and the capitalized operation of education system. It is a milestone for Chinese education system reformation. The educational industry in China has also received a knockout, especially for those private-owned education and training institutions focusing on primary and secondary education. Through literature review, this paper examines the trajectory of the Chinese educational system's growth and identifies a number of crucial elements that have shaped the sector, including societal trends, political upheaval, and global and economic trends. These elements are tremendously affecting Chinese education policymaking. Due to the unique influence of the factors, policy-makers should attach more significance to them, which would make the impact more suitable for the society.

The relationship between sustainable innovation efficiency and economic growth in China

ABSTRACT China has taken sustainable development strategies seriously in recent years, aiming at reducing energy consumption and environmental pollutants emissions. This research empirically evaluates the sustainable innovation efficiency (SIE) in Chinafrom the perspective of energy and environmental constraints. Furthermore, the relationship between SIE and economic growth is tested through Granger causality test. The results indicate that SIE in China varies obviously in different regions. Granger causality runs only from economic growth to SIE and not the other way round. Economic growth is causative factor of sustainable innovation, indicating that China's sustainable innovation has not yet achieved coordinated development with the economy. Our findings also provide useful decision-supporting insights for Chinese policymakers to promote coordinated development of regional sustainable innovation and economic growth.

Assessment of green economic development through the impacts of fossil fuels resources and education in China

This paper evaluates the association between education, fossil fuel resources, and green development in China from 1980 to 2021. The findings from the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) technique confirmed that the education index has a positive effect on sustainable development. Sustainable electricity generation in China positively affects sustainable development, while using fossil fuels in the industry has an adverse effect on China's sustainable development. The inflow of foreign direct investment harms the sustainable development index, whereas the effectiveness of the green financing market in promoting sustainable development goals exists only in the long term. The Chinese policymakers should pay attention to the digital green financing market, green cryptocurrencies, green FDI regulations, and further cooperation with the United Nations in the education for sustainable development (ESD).

The Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Chinese Higher Education

When the Chinese government created an economic path with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, many domestic policies were amended after extensive research conducted on industrial development. However, there have been few study to date of the relationship between the BRI and higher education (HE). This paper analyzes how the BRI influences China’s HE to generate greater opportunities for cross-border collaboration amongst the countries along the route. The three pillars of the triple-helix system—government, industry and institutions—were examined. The paper argues that HE within the BRI is a complex system comprised of many stakeholders and notes several transformations currently taking place in highly HE-oriented industries. These findings pave the way for both Chinese policymakers and their counterparts at HE to build mutual understanding and promote further international collaboration.