Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent administrative restructuring in Chongqing, which has established the Liangjiang New Area, marking a significant shift from an "economic functional area" to an "administrative district" [4][15][29]. Group 1: Administrative Restructuring - The national approval for Chongqing's administrative adjustment has led to the establishment of the Liangjiang New Area, combining the Jiangbei District and Yubei District, reducing the total number of districts from 38 to 37 [6][8]. - The Liangjiang New Area now covers approximately 1,360 square kilometers and has a population of about 3.52 million, with a GDP of 518.2 billion yuan, making it the largest economic and population area in the central and western regions [11][14]. - This adjustment is part of a broader trend among major cities in China, following similar mergers in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Jinan, indicating a move towards enhancing urban competitiveness [9][10]. Group 2: Economic Functionality Transition - The transition from an "economic functional area" to an "administrative district" is significant, as it allows for better governance and management of resources, addressing issues of fragmentation and overlapping responsibilities [16][19]. - Previously, Liangjiang New Area operated under a "1+3" joint development model, which led to management challenges as the economy grew [25][27]. - The establishment of Liangjiang New Area signals a potential trend for other national-level new areas to follow suit in transitioning to administrative districts, enhancing their governance capabilities [29]. Group 3: Future of Urban Expansion - Since 2022, there has been a slowdown in large-scale administrative adjustments across China, with a focus on maintaining stability in administrative divisions [31][33]. - The article notes that while large city mergers may be unlikely in the short term, there remains potential for administrative adjustments that enhance core competitiveness and improve administrative efficiency [34][35].

Core Viewpoint - The recent administrative restructuring in Chongqing, which involves the establishment of the Liangjiang New Area, signifies a shift towards enhancing urban competitiveness and internal spatial integration, marking a transition from economic functional zones to formal administrative districts [4][10][17]. Group 1: Administrative Restructuring - The national approval of Chongqing's administrative adjustment includes the dissolution of Jiangbei and Yubei districts, consolidating them into the Liangjiang New Area [4][5]. - This adjustment reduces the number of districts in Chongqing from 38 to 37 and the central urban area from 9 to 8 [7]. - The Liangjiang New Area covers approximately 1,360 square kilometers, with a population of about 3.52 million and a GDP of 518.2 billion yuan, making it the largest economic and population center in the central and western regions [11][14]. Group 2: Economic Significance - The establishment of Liangjiang New Area positions it as a significant economic zone, ranking 13th among major districts in China, alongside Shenzhen's Bao'an District and Qingdao's Huangdao District [14]. - This move indicates the rise of the central and western regions, with Liangjiang New Area being recognized as a "500 billion strong district" [14][16]. - The transition from an economic functional area to an administrative district is crucial for effective governance and management, addressing the challenges of overlapping jurisdictions and administrative inefficiencies [22][26][28]. Group 3: Future Implications - The restructuring reflects a broader trend in urban development, where administrative adjustments are necessary to enhance core competitiveness and streamline governance [40][41]. - While large-scale administrative changes have slowed down since 2022, there remains potential for future adjustments that align with population trends and infrastructure needs [33][41]. - The focus on optimizing administrative structures suggests that while major city mergers may be unlikely in the short term, there is still room for strategic adjustments to improve urban management [40][41].