Beijing is urging Chinese provinces to develop distinct economic strategies rather than pursuing uniform growth. This shift aligns with the upcoming 15th five-year plan, emphasizing a territorial division of labor.

As Beijing increasingly sees the country as a chessboard, the central government is no longer simply asking every province to grow faster; it wants them to grow differently. Reporting on the end of the 14th five-year plan and preparation for the 15th five-year plan frames provinces and cities as specialised implementation units, reflecting a territorial division of labour. The central government wants provinces to find their rightful place in national development and act in accordance with their...