The Chinese government has released a master plan for the Xiong'an New Area. The special economic zone is being built in north China's Hebei Province and will pick up some of Beijing's functions.

Approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, the document says the establishment of the Xiong'an New Area is an important decision that comes from the Central Committee and President Xi Jinping. The plan reconfirms that Xiong'an will hold some of Beijing's non-capital functions and some of its people. It is to be a world-class digital city, using lots of intelligent infrastructure. Maintaining a green environment also is a priority -- the area's forest coverage will be increased to 40 percent. The plan covers urban safety, flood control, disaster protection, and public security.

Established in April 2017, the Xiong'an New Area is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing. It is another economic region of "national significance", following China's Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and Shanghai Pudong New Area.

With the direct oversight of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the construction of the region is in full swing. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Xiong'an will play a key role in demonstrating new measures to further advance these policies in the new era.