必须要有自己的一线城市，山东离不开强省会战略，把人口留在省内

Core Insights - The population decline in Shandong Province has reached a record high of 428,000 in 2024, primarily affecting the young and middle-aged demographic, despite a relatively high birth rate ranking third in the country [1][5] - The strong provincial capital strategy is deemed urgent to counteract the population loss and enhance the province's vitality [1][6] Population Dynamics - Shandong's population loss is not solely due to declining birth rates, as the province has a large population base of over 100 million [1] - The outflow of young talent, particularly recent graduates, poses a significant risk to the province's future development [5] Economic Development - Shandong has not produced a leading city despite being China's third-largest economy, with Jinan and Qingdao ranking 18th and 13th respectively in GDP among Chinese cities [4] - Jinan's economic contribution to the province is only 13.7% of the total GDP, significantly lower than other provincial capitals like Chengdu and Wuhan, which contribute around 40% [4] Urbanization and Strategy - The development of the Jiaodong region is progressing but lacks sufficient focus on Jinan as the provincial capital [5] - Jinan's geographical limitations necessitate strategic planning, including the ongoing development of cross-river projects to enhance connectivity and attract talent [6] Future Outlook - The need for a major city in Shandong is critical for maintaining the province's competitive edge, as neighboring regions are increasingly attracting talent and resources [6] - The rise of Jinan is essential not only for the province's status but also for preserving its economic achievements [6]