Core Viewpoint - China is implementing a regional coordinated development strategy to create a complementary regional economic layout and land space system, emphasizing the importance of integrating human and social development alongside economic growth [1][2]. Group 1: Goals of Regional Coordinated Development - The three main goals of regional coordinated development include equalization of basic public services, balanced infrastructure accessibility, and relatively uniform basic living standards for the people [2]. - This approach broadens the understanding of regional development goals beyond just economic disparities to include public services, infrastructure, and quality of life [2]. - The integration of human development indicators such as income, life expectancy, and education with regional development is crucial for achieving these goals [2][3]. Group 2: High-Quality Development Power Source System - China is advancing several major regional strategies, including the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and the Yangtze River Delta integration [3]. - The economic output of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area is projected to account for over 40% of the national economy by 2024 [3]. - A multi-layered and multi-type power source system for high-quality development should be established at national, provincial, and municipal levels, as well as across different regions [3]. Group 3: Promoting Regional Strategic Integration - The integration of regional strategies during the 14th Five-Year Plan period requires identifying strategic connection points between different regional initiatives [4][5]. - Building spatial connections, such as high-speed rail links between cities, can enhance the integration of regional strategies [5]. - The focus on urbanization is shifting from rapid growth to stable development, emphasizing quality improvement in existing urban areas [5]. Group 4: Implementation and Future Directions - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) plans to enhance the implementation of regional strategies, leveraging the comparative advantages of different regions [6]. - Key initiatives include promoting the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, advancing the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, and supporting the Greater Bay Area's integration into national development [6].

Core Viewpoint - The development of a new regional economic theory with Chinese characteristics is essential, as Western economic theories do not fully apply to China's unique context [1][2]. Group 1: Characteristics of Chinese Regional Economics - Chinese regional economics should emphasize three main characteristics: adherence to objective laws, reflection of Chinese characteristics, and establishment of a holistic perspective [1]. - The research object of Chinese regional economics is based on national conditions, utilizing Marxist principles to summarize experiences and theories relevant to regional economic construction [1]. Group 2: New Theoretical Framework - A new scientific normative theory for regional economics is needed, focusing on the concept of "equality promoting efficiency" [2]. - The two key concepts introduced are "public service equalization" and "infrastructure equalization," which are crucial for the comprehensive development of central and western regions [2]. - The aim is to enhance human capital and social stability through equal access to education, healthcare, and social security, while optimizing infrastructure to ensure reasonable resource allocation [2]. Group 3: Microeconomic Foundations - The theory of regional economics should be grounded in microeconomic theories, particularly the concept of location and the theory of firm location [3]. - This approach allows for the application of economic principles to address macroeconomic issues related to regional development [3].