Special Topic I
Development of North-western China 開發大西北
（星期四檔案）
1. What are the constraints in developing the north-western China?
| Physical Constraints | North-western China | Reason |
| Relief | Mountainous | Mountainous relief |
| Evaporation | high | Continental region, leeward side of mountains, temperate desert -> clear sky |
| Rainfall | Low & unreliable | Desert region, leeward side of mountain |
| Soil | Poor & thin
|
Rapid exploitation -> deforestation -> soil erosion Evaporation > rainfall |
| Human Constraints | North-western China | Reason |
| Skills of labour | Low | Poor -> , high illiteracy rate less resources from govt, lots of minorities |
| No. of labour | Low | Low population density |
| Infrastructure | Not enough | Cultural revolution slow down the development Govt focus on the E coast > W coast Less people -> less demand (vicious cycle) |
2. In the past, NW China（河西走廊）was rich in resources. Why does it become one of the backward regions in China?
- Urbanization & industrialization -> over-exploitation by human
- Climatic change
3. Development of northwestern China has been clearly stated in the 5-years plan (March, 2000) of China. Why?
4. Favourable factors found in northwestern China = pull factors
| Locational factors | North-western China |
| Resources | Rich, e.g. oil, natural gas, Chinese herds & medicine |
| labour | Low cost |
| location | Middle point between Europe & Asia -> good transport & trading route |
| Physical environment | Beautiful -> tourism |
5. Unfavourable factors found in other part of China (e.g. Coastal regions) = push factors
| Locational factors | North-western China |
| Land value | High |
| Labour | High |
| resources | Used up/little |
| pollution | high |
| transport | congestion |
6. How to attract investment in north-western China? = How to solve the constraints found in north-western China?
The main physical constraint is lack of water -> soil moisture deficit
Solution: irrigation （黃河水向上抽，滴水灌溉）
The main cultural constraint is lack of money for infrastructure development
Solution: attract more investment (e.g. tax exemption from government)
7. Explain why the heading傾斜的國策 is chosen. Evaluate the effectiveness of this policy.
傾斜的國策
: government focusing to develop coastal regions after 1978 （鄧小平：先讓一部份人（東部人）先富起來）instead of the westEvaluation:
Positive:
- correct policy as it is difficult to develop the whole country at the same time
- Long history of development in the coastal regions since 1800s
Negative:
- ignore the development of the west
- Vicious cycle is developed in the west, e.g. expertise leave for the East
- Enlarge social, economic inequalities between east & west => possibilities of creating political unrest
8. Why north-western China can be described as 富饒?
9. But why north-western China is also described as 貧瘠?
貧瘠: poor soil
Reason: over-exploitation by man -> deforestation -> more soil erosion
10. To solve the problems of 貧瘠, what should be done first, 先治山坡? 先治淤泥? Why?
先治山坡
is the cause, 先治淤泥 is the effect. Should solve the basic cause first.先治山坡
(afforestation): hold the soil to prevent soil erosionTarget: 300萬畝
11. Evaluate the role of technology in helping to solve the 貧瘠 situation of north-western China.
Positive role
e.g.
| Constraints | Technology |
| Mountainous relief -> less arable land | terracing |
| Low & unreliable rain, soil moisture deficit | Irrigation 黃河水向上抽 |
| High evaporation | 滴水灌溉 (learnt from Israel) |
Technology can accurately calculate the wind speed & wind direction -> know the exact location of setting up wind break to prevent wind & soil erosion
Negative role
- as technology can change the natural constraint -> less constraint => over-exploitation
=> X ecosystem (vicious cycle)
12. Evaluate the role of government in helping to solve the 貧瘠
situation of north-
western China.
Positive role:
- subsidies for afforestation (改種樹木草地): 每畝$210, 擔保5年
- attract more farmers to join the scheme
13. Do people in north-western China favour the government decision to develop north-
western China.
Favourable:
Unfavourable:
14.How to apply the concept “sustainable development” to develop north-western
China?
Economic: develop the resources in the west, develop more infrastructures, technology to overcome the constraints.
Social/Community: narrow the gap between E & W, increase the living standard of people
Environment: exploitation< carrying capacity, afforestation to prevent soil erosion
15. People in north-western China favour the development in north-western China. What are the benefits that they can enjoy?
Virtuous cycle: develop resources & infrastructure -> attract industry & experts -> more jobs -> more services and development provided -> higher living standard
(人流，物流，訊息流)
16. Development of north-western China would be easier in developing countries like China. Discuss.
China: planned economy => lots of government support & investment. E.g.
17. Why the heading 幾代的盼望 is chosen?
18. Eastern & western part of China are having a complementary relationship. Successful relocation towards the north-western China helps the overall development of China. Discuss.
West supports East:
East supports West
- experts from the east need to help the west to develop, e.g. infrastructure
West supports whole China