China develops its west: motivation,strategy and prospect

This paper offers a review of the motivation, policy priorities and prospects of China's Western Development Strategy. Focusing on construction of infrastructure projects, restoration of the ecological environment, restructuring of existing economic sectors and promotion of science and technology in the western region, the Western Development Strategy symbolizes a reorientation of China's development strategy from an emphasis on fast growth of the coastal area to a more balanced development. However, the launching of a new policy does not guarantee its success. Government financial constraints, weakness of the non‐state sector, lack of enthusiasm by foreign investors, poor human resources and a dire ecological situation can all pose formidable challenges to the success of this strategy.