Strategic Region Research Articles

Impact of the Yangtze River Economic Belt on high-quality economic development in China: Evidence from a spatial difference-in-differences model

In September 2016, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) was officially declared a major national strategic development region in China. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of YREB implementation on environmental protection and economic growth, with limited research on sustainable economic development. Thus, based on city-level panel data during 2013–2020, this study examines the impact of YREB implementation on high-quality economic development (HQED) by using a spatial difference-in-differences model. Based on the findings, YREB implementation enhances the HQED of local regions, but not that of neighboring regions. Additionally, a mechanism analysis revealed that the policy effect is greater when the industrial structure is more advanced and human capital is richer. Meanwhile, YREB implementation only has a significant influence on HQED over the long term and in the eastern region. Overall, our study clarifies the role of YREB implementation in fostering sustainable economic development in the country.

Determinants of Economic Growth in Java: Per Capita Expenditures, Population, and Contribution of Indonesian Democracy

The Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 targets sustainable, equitable and inclusive economic development, with an emphasis on the “Sustainable Economic Development” pillar. Java, as Indonesia's strategic region, is the highest contributor to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the 2019-2023 period, the global economic contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of simultaneous regional elections in Indonesia are challenges. This study examines the effect of per capita expenditure, population, and the Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) on economic growth in Java. Using secondary data from six provinces and panel data regression analysis, the results show that per capita expenditure has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while population has a negative and significant effect. IDI shows a positive but statistically insignificant relationship. The findings emphasize the importance of increasing purchasing power, population productivity through education and technology, and strengthening substantive democracy to achieve sustainable economic growth. This research provides insights for policy makers in optimizing regional potential to support Indonesia's national economic growth goals.

Linear Fresnel Reflector Power Plants in Algeria: Energy, Economic, and Environmental Analysis

Abstract The Algerian government seeks to provide all the resources available to it to exploit every available energy source in all Algerian provinces. Accordingly, this paper aims to present an energy, economic, and environmental study of linear Fresnel reflector solar power plants using the System Advisor Model in four strategic Algerian regions (Ain Aménas, Gassi-Touil, Hassi R'mel, and El-Oued). The studied solar power plants can produce between 318.75 and 379.29 GWe annually at an LCOE ranging between 0.093 and 0.11 $/kWh. In addition, the annual avoided CO2 emissions are between 143.41 and 170.87 kilotons, equivalent to 0.473 kg CO2 per 1 kWh of electricity, meaning that environmental tax savings will range between 2.08 and 2.48 million dollars annually. The results obtained are very encouraging for decision-makers and investors, as the net capital investment (between 642.67 and 642.82 million dollars) can be recovered in less than 10.2 years, with the power plant capable of operating for 25 consecutive years.

The Influence of the Digital Economy on the Foreign Trade Competitiveness of Hunan Province in China

With the evolution of the Internet, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, the era of the digital economy has quietly emerged. The digital economy’s growth is a major trend, and China is dedicated to building data power and strengthening foreign trade competitiveness (FTC). As an essential strategic region, Hunan Province should grasp the opportunities of the digital economy and constantly develop and increase its competitiveness. This research will explore the effect of Digital economy (DIG) on the FTC of Hunan Province. The study collected data from the region from 2013 to 2022 and Stata 17 software was applied to obtain the research outcomes. The findings indicate that DIG can significantly enhance the development of FTC in Hunan Province. This result remains consistent even after conducting robustness tests, showing its reliability. Furthermore, the positive impact is even more pronounced in urban agglomerations of major cities and larger areas. The paper’s main innovation lies in its focus on the Hunan Province region, which holds significant regional importance and plays a key role in enhancing China’s FTC.

Strategi Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Perikanan Berkelanjutan di Era Modern

The sustainable management of fishery resources has become a significant challenge in the modern era due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and illegal fishing activities. This study aims to identify effective management strategies through modern technological approaches and community-based frameworks. The research methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, encompassing interviews, questionnaires, field observations, and secondary data analysis across several strategic coastal regions in Indonesia. The findings reveal that utilizing technologies such as the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and data-sharing applications enhances the efficiency of fisheries management. Community-based approaches have also proven effective in preserving ecosystems and improving fishers' welfare. Moreover, regulations based on fish stock data are critical elements in ensuring the sustainability of the sector. This study concludes that synergy between technology, inclusive policies, and community participation is the key to achieving sustainable fishery resource management in the modern era.

SECURITY OF THE TURKISH STRAITS IN THE BLACK SEA: IMPACT OF THE NATO/EU ENLARGEMENTS ON THE MONTREUX CONVENTION

The Turkish Straits (composed of İstanbul and Çanakkale Straits) are strategic geographic regions between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Their legal status and the sovereignty-navigation regimes are determined by a multilateral treaty, namely the Montreux Straits Convention of 1936. Today, International Relations (IR) environment has changed greatly when compared with the period of the signing of the Convention. The Cold War is now over and the balance between the East and the West has been disrupted. Furthermore, there are some conflicts in the Black Sea basin, such as the war between Russia/Ukraine and Russia/Georgia. The complex nature of the Black Sea requires a securitization framework from both Russia and the EU/NATO perspectives. In this context, the recent developments in international politics about the region may also have an impact on the Montreux regime in the Turkish Straits in future. Considering these current developments, this paper analyzes the impact of the NATO and EU enlargements on the Montreux regime and evaluates future scenarios about the security of the Turkish Straits. In doing so, it will use the securitization theory as an explanatory approach for the developments in the region. Thus, the Black Sea and the Turkish Straits contains the securitization dynamics within itself.

The Impact of Regional Policies on the Efficiency of Scientific and Technological Innovation in Universities: Evidence from China

The efficiency of scientific and technological innovation in universities is strongly influenced by both institutional structures and policies. However, existing research predominantly emphasizes the role of internal factors—such as resource allocation, management efficiency, personnel systems within universities, and education-sector policies—on innovation efficiency. This focus often overlooks the significant impact of regional factors on innovation outcomes. This study compares and analyzes the scientific and technological innovation efficiency of universities, growth rates, sources of inefficiency, inter-regional disparities, and intra-regional differences between universities in three strategically important regions in China, namely the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, based on their respective regional planning from 2007 to 2017. Additionally, it employs the Tobit model to explore the pathways to improve the scientific and technological innovation efficiency of universities within these three major strategic regions. This study finds that the implementation of targeted regional policies significantly enhances the efficiency of scientific and technological innovation in Chinese universities. Furthermore, it reveals that this positive impact also exhibits differences between universities and regions. The promotion effect of targeted regional policies on the efficiency of scientific and technological innovation in universities shows a high degree of similarity. In more developed cities, however, the scientific and technological innovation efficiency of universities tends to be lower. Both the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions within the three major strategic areas are significantly affected by the negative impact of financial assets, while the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, although affected negatively, is not significant. Moreover, this study uncovers that population density and fixed assets also serve as factors that can enhance the scientific and technological innovation efficiency of universities.

Strategi Keamanan Maritim di Asia Tenggara: Kerjasama Diplomasi maritim di ASEAN

Southeast Asia, as a strategic region connecting two of the world's major oceans, faces a range of maritime security challenges, both traditional, such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and non-traditional, such as piracy, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. This article discusses maritime security strategies in the region, with a primary focus on maritime diplomacy cooperation under the ASEAN framework. Using maritime security theory, maritime diplomacy, and a literature analysis, the article examines the effectiveness of ASEAN's regional cooperation in addressing the complexities of maritime threats in Southeast Asia. The study's findings indicate that although challenges such as strong nationalism and geopolitical disputes still hinder collaboration, ASEAN has made progress in building more structured cooperation mechanisms. The article emphasizes that strengthening maritime diplomacy between countries, as well as with global actors, is an effective step to ensure stability, security, and sustainability in Southeast Asia's maritime domain.

Pemanfaatan Hukum Internasional dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Laut China Selatan: Analisis dengan Pendekatan Doktrinal

The South China Sea is a strategic region of global significance, both economically and geopolitically. It serves as a major global trade route, with over 30% of global trade passing through it annually. Additionally, the South China Sea is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and abundant marine products. However, overlapping territorial claims among countries such as China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia have triggered prolonged geopolitical tensions. This study aims to analyze the role of international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, as the primary framework for resolving these disputes. Using a doctrinal approach, the study examines primary legal documents, such as UNCLOS 1982, the 2016 Arbitration Award, and ASEAN agreements. Data shows an average of 15 annual conflicts in the South China Sea over the past decade, with a significant increase from 5 cases in 2014 to 25 cases in 2023. While UNCLOS 1982 provides a clear legal framework, non-compliance with arbitration rulings, such as China's refusal to adhere to the 2016 ruling, highlights weaknesses in enforcement mechanisms and sanctions. This study emphasizes that multilateral approaches based on international law, supported by regional mechanisms like ASEAN, have yet to achieve full effectiveness. The findings offer strategic recommendations, including reforming international sanction mechanisms and strengthening ASEAN frameworks to support conflict resolution and ensure sustainable stability in the region

A Brief Look at the Geopolitical Situation of Islamic Countries: Emphasis on the Role of Natural Resources

The Islamic world is formed from a very large territory that constitutes the most important strategic and lucrative regions and points of the world, starting from the Mediterranean Sea and encompassing most of the geography of African countries, to western, southwestern, central Asia, south and southeast Asia. The political unity of the Islamic world has been weakened after the eleventh century CE and political power has been dismantled by Muslims and with the disintegration of the Osmani Turkic Empire, the political and geopolitical power of the Islamic world has been degraded. Although the most important and valuable natural resources including oil and gas are located in the territory of Islamic countries, the most important strategic areas such as the Persian Gulf, the Suez Canal, the Straits of Dardaniel, Basforce and Bab al-Mandab, the Oman Sea, the Red Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar are located in the territory of Islamic countries, if the Islamic world has political unity, it will use its natural and situational resources properly. The greatest power will become globally, but the geopolitical situation of Islamic countries is still fragile, there is economic multiplicity between Islamic countries and Western countries are directly and indirectly sovereign over the greater number of these countries and benefit from their resources, The aim of this study was to briefly investigate the geopolitical situation of Islamic countries with emphasis on its natural resources. The research method of this subject is library and internet which is the result of research information and awareness about the geopolitical situation of Islamic countries with emphasis on the role of natural resources.

Enhancing Maritime Security: Challenges and Strategies in Indonesia's Natuna Sea

The Natuna Sea, a strategic region within Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, faces multifaceted maritime security challenges that threaten national sovereignty, economic interests, and regional stability. This abstract explores the key issues and strategic responses to enhance maritime security in this vital area. Indonesia's maritime security challenges in the Natuna Sea are driven by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, territorial disputes, and transnational crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The encroachment of foreign fishing vessels, particularly from neighboring countries, exacerbates the IUU fishing problem, undermining local economies and depleting fish stocks. Additionally, overlapping territorial claims, particularly with China, complicate Indonesia's efforts to assert its sovereignty and maintain peace in the region. To address these challenges, Indonesia has developed a comprehensive maritime security strategy that includes diplomatic, legal, and operational measures. Diplomatic efforts focus on strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and other multilateral forums to foster dialogue and build consensus on maritime security issues. Legal measures involve the enforcement of national and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to uphold Indonesia's territorial rights and combat IUU fishing. Operationally, Indonesia has enhanced its maritime patrols, surveillance capabilities, and naval presence in the Natuna Sea. The establishment of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the deployment of advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite monitoring, have improved the detection and interdiction of illegal activities. Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to resource constraints, coordination issues among agencies, and the complex geopolitical landscape. This abstract underscores the importance of a holistic and adaptive approach to maritime security, integrating diplomatic, legal, and operational strategies.

Spatial–Temporal Development Trends and Influencing Factors of Government Environmental Information Disclosure: Empirical Evidence Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data

Government environmental information disclosure (GEID) plays an important role in promoting the digital transformation of environmental governance, leading the concept of sustainable development, enhancing public oversight capacity, and promoting democratic decision-making governance. Using provincial panel data from China spanning from 2009 to 2021, we conducted spatial data exploratory analysis and used the dynamic spatial panel model to investigate the spatial–temporal development trends and influencing factors of GEID. The results show that (1) GEID in China exhibits significant spatial agglomeration characteristics, with an “H-H” (High-High aggregation type) agglomeration characteristic observed in three national strategic development regions: Yangtze River Delta, southeast coastal areas, and Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. (2) The spillover effect from the southeast coastal provinces gradually radiates to the northwest, resulting in an overall westward movement of GEID. (3) GEID exhibits a significant path-dependency feature in the temporal dimension and a “peer effect” in the spatial dimension. (4) Population size has the greatest impact on GEID. Population size, public participation, and the industrial and transportation sectors positively influence GEID improvement at the local level. However, they generate negative spillover effects to neighbouring provinces. Environmental status and the size of the Real Estate sector have no significant effect. Therefore, China should strengthen regional cooperation, narrow regional disparities, cultivate new quality productive forces, establish a government-led proactive disclosure mechanism under public supervision, and improve the level of GEID at the national level.

Legal Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Mechanism in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is an important strategic region for China's economic development. The coordination and integration of its legal system plays a key role in realizing the economic, social and cultural integration in the region. However, as Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong belong to different legal systems and social systems respectively, the differences between the legal systems lead to frequent conflicts of laws and hinder the coordinated development in the region. Based on the constitutional and legal foundations, historical and cultural backgrounds of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the practical experience of Guangdong, this paper analyzes in detail the main challenges facing the current legal collaboration and conflict resolution mechanism in the GBA. These challenges are mainly reflected in the imperfect legislative design, the inadequacy of legal protection, and the unclear legal remedies. Through in-depth discussion of these issues, this paper proposes specific ways to establish a legislative coordination mechanism, formulate a unified substantive law, develop diversified relief channels, and ensure the equal application of law by residents of the three places, with a view to optimizing the legal cooperation and conflict resolution mechanism of the GBA, so as to provide a solid legal guarantee for regional stability and prosperity. The research in this paper not only provides a new perspective for understanding the complexity of legal integration in the GBA, but also puts forward feasible suggestions for deepening regional legal cooperation in the future.

Application and Development of Smart City in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area

With the acceleration of the global urbanization process, all countries and regions pay more and more attention to the sustainable development of cities. As of October 2021, 132 countries and regions have upgraded the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutral" to a national strategy, and have proposed a vision of a zero-carbon future. The construction of a smart city has become an important factor in sustainable urban development. The special geographical location of Guangdong Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area (hereinafter referred to as GBA) determines its development flexibility, and this region is bound to become one of the important development strategic regions in China. This paper selects the three core cities of GBA, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as the research objectives, and to integrate, compare, and analyze the achievements of these cities in terms of smart cities. The research results can provide a reference for the construction direction of smart cities in other cities.

Central Asian studies in the People’s Republic of China: a structural topic model

ABSTRACT China has a rich Central Asia studies literature and in recent years, it has seen an expansion in the number of research institutions with a regional focus. We apply a Structural Topic Model, a quantitative method that estimates thematic prevalence through machine learning, to analyse publications on Central Asia in Chinese academic and specialist journals to show how the field has evolved over time. Aside from the methodological contribution we offer an original dataset of 10,563 publications scraped from China’s CNKI database. We test our strategy on two assumptions in Western literature on Chinese academics’ understanding of Central Asia: (1) China’s research institutes are primarily concerned with economics and (2) China’s thinking on strategic regions is lacking in local context, unique cultural concepts and insights. We argue that while China's scholarship on the region is often Sinocentric, some research shows diversity and nuance, with more analytical depth that has been traditionally understood.

TURKEY AS A NEW SECURITY ACTOR IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

Due to having unique geographical location, the Horn of Africa is one of the most important strategic regions in the world. Thanks to the geo-political and the geo-economic importance of the region, global and regional actors have continuously maintained their strategic relations with this region throughout history. Despite the existence of structural political, economic, and security crises in the region, significant political and economic transformation has emerged throughout the region after the 2000s. This study argues whether Turkey’s increasing security cooperation with the Horn of Africa has contributed to the political, economic and military transformation of the countries in the region. Since 2011, Turkey has implemented a multi-faceted and proactive foreign policy to strengthen its strategic relations with the Horn of Africa. This article found that that Turkey’s lack of a history of exploitation and active humanitarian aid policy of Turkey in Africa have paved the way for the emergence of the establishment of strong and long-term strategic partnerships with the countries in the Horn of Africa.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Darunavir and Related Derivatives via a Titanium Tetrachloride-Mediated Asymmetric Glycolate Aldol Addition Reaction.

Darunavir is a potent HIV protease inhibitor that has been established as an effective tool in the fight against the progression of HIV/AIDS in the global community. The successful application of this drug has spurred the development of derivatives wherein strategic regions (e.g., P1, P1', P2, and P2') of the darunavir framework have been structurally modified. An alternate route for the synthesis of darunavir and three related P1 and P1' derivatives has been developed. This synthetic pathway involves the use of a Crimmins titanium tetrachloride-mediated oxazolidine-2-thione-guided asymmetric glycolate aldol addition reaction. The resultant aldol adduct introduces the P1 fragment of darunavir via an aldehyde. Transamidation with a selected amine (isobutylamine or 2-ethyl-1-butylamine) to cleave the auxiliary yields an amide wherein the P1' component is introduced. From this stage, the amide is reduced to the corresponding β-amino alcohol and the substrate is then bis-nosylated to introduce the requisite p-nitrobenzenesulfonamide component and activate the secondary alcohol for nucleophilic substitution. Treatment with sodium azide yielded the desired azides, and the deprotection of the p-methoxyphenoxy group is achieved with the use of ceric ammonium nitrate. Finally, hydrogenation to reduce both the aniline and azide functionalities with concurrent acylation yields darunavir and its derivatives.

Coastal Hazards in the Sunda Strait: Mitigation Strategy and Coastal Management

Abstract Sunda strait is one of the strategic waters in Indonesia situated at the Indonesian archipelagic sea lane passage. The water is also known as one of the national strategic regions as governed in the Presidential Decree of 32/2019 about marine spatial planning. The coasts of the region have been developed as industrial areas, marine tourism and associated facilities, fisheries, agriculture, mining, etc. Despite the huge economic potency, Sunda Strait has high coastal hazards due to volcanic and tectonic activities. The Krakatau volcanic eruption in 1883 generated a tsunami run-up to ∼35 m high causing catastrophic damage along the coasts of Banten and Lampung and more than 36.000 people were reported killed. More recently, the eruption and flank collapse of the Anak Krakatau volcano generated a tsunami in the Sunda Strait causing severe damage, extensive inundation, and more than 430 deaths. Likewise, the Sunda Strait has a high potency of tsunami impacts generated by the earthquake sourced from the subduction zone known as megathrust. These conditions must become a valued lesson learned to all of us to raise awareness and preparedness through mitigation-based disaster management. Thus, we can reduce the impacts of the disaster and the high investment for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Strategic Regionalism of the Pacific Alliance: An Outlook throughout the Investment

The Pacific Alliance (PA) is considered a strategic regionalism in Latin America due to the pragmatic policy trade of the members. One of these pragmatic elements is investment. This article analyzes intra-regional investment flows in the PA in the period 2010–2021 as evidence of strategic regionalism. This article examines the characteristics of the strategic regionalism and the theoretical approaches to foreign direct investment (FDI) from the perspective of capital localization and the internationalization processes of companies. Based on official statistics from the countries, annual FDI and intra-regional investment flows are studied, along with a qualitative analysis of the Pacific Alliance Investment Facilitation Initiative. It concludes that the PA's intra-regional investment is explained by the internationalization and economic importance of multilatina companies, and that it should consider alliances with Chinese enterprises.

APPLICATION OF CAUSAL FORECASTING METHOD TO FORECAST SHALLOT PRODUCTION IN NORTH SUMATRA PROVINCE

Shallot are one of the superior horticultural commodities that has a great influence on the economic value and daily needs of society. The province of North Sumatra is a strategic region for producing shallot, making the province the eighth largest producer of shallot in Indonesia. The need and consumer demand for shallot along with the increasing population is a problem, as by 2021 the amount of shallot production in the household sector will only be met by 11% in the North Sumatra province. The authors are therefore interested in studying the factors that influence shallot production and predicting the amount of shallot production in the future North Sumatra province. The source of data the research was carried out by the Agricultural Department of the Province of North Sumatra. The study was conducted using Causal Forecasting and ARIMA methods. The causal forecasting method used is the econometric method. The econometric method is a method for analyzing and predicting future conditions by finding and measuring several important independent variables and their influence on the variables. Dependents are observed. The ARIMA method is used to predict exogenous variables from the results of the analysis performed. Based on the analysis, it is obtained that the factors affecting the amount of shallot production are the quantity of productivity and the extent of the onion harvest. The greater the amount of productivity and the size of the harvest, the more shallot production will increase. The result of the production forecast obtained is the lowest amount of shallot production occurred in April 2022 at 5212,763 tons and the highest amount produced on the onion occurs in March 2023 at 6502,112 tonnes and the average monthly amount of production is 5856,886 tons.