China to further advance new urbanization, regional coordinated development

China will continue to advance new urbanization and promote coordinated regional development this year, according to a government work report submitted on Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the work report on behalf of the State Council at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.

Advancing new urbanization

China's urbanization rate of permanent residents reached 67 percent in 2024, according to the report. As part of the new urbanization strategy, the government will continue to facilitate the integration of rural migrants into cities by strengthening support in areas such as basic public services, compulsory education for their children, housing security and social insurance. Efforts will also focus on addressing infrastructure and public service gaps in county-level regions, while vigorously developing county-level economies.

The government aims to develop modern metropolitan areas, enhance the modernization of governance in megacities and large cities, and promote coordinated development among cities of all sizes.

Additionally, the government will continue to promote urban renewal and the renovation of old residential communities in cities and towns. It plans to develop digital and smart infrastructure, improve accessibility and elderly-friendly facilities, enhance comprehensive community services, and build livable, resilient and smart cities.

Promoting regional coordinated development

The government plans to implement strategies to deepen the large-scale development of the western region, revitalize the northeastern region, accelerate the rise of the central region and advance the modernization of the eastern region.

For instance, the government will enhance the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantaged regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

It will also advance the high-standard and high-quality construction of the Xiong'an New Area, deepen the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic rim, and vigorously develop the marine economy by establishing national marine economic development demonstration zones.