Core Viewpoint - The conference held in Hegang, Heilongjiang, focused on transforming China's advantageous mineral resources, particularly graphite, into strategic emerging industries through high-quality development and collaboration among various stakeholders [1][5][8]. Group 1: Industry Development - The "China Graphite City" was officially named in Luobei County, which is home to the world's largest single crystalline graphite mine, the Yunshan Graphite Mine [3]. - The conference emphasized the importance of resource endowment and the transformation of resource advantages into industrial strengths, highlighting the role of leading companies like China Minmetals in this process [5]. - Hegang has established a comprehensive "1+N" graphite new materials industry development system, focusing on natural graphite resources and extending into various applications such as new energy materials and graphene [7]. Group 2: Technological Innovation - A joint technology research and demonstration center was established, marking a new phase of deep integration between production, education, and research in the graphite industry [5][7]. - The focus is on overcoming "bottleneck" technologies and achieving full-chain domestic production from raw materials to end products, with several high-end graphite products already launched [5][7]. Group 3: Environmental and Economic Goals - Hegang aims to create a national-level zero-carbon park, promoting the synergy between industrial development and ecological protection [8]. - The city is positioning itself to adapt to international green trade rules while enhancing its energy structure and supporting regional coordinated development [8].

Core Viewpoint - The construction of Hegang Luobei Airport represents a significant step for Hegang city in its efforts to revitalize and transform its economy, despite its historical decline and current challenges [3][23]. Group 1: Airport Development - Hegang Luobei Airport is set to be a regional hub, located approximately 21 kilometers from the city center, with a designed annual passenger throughput of 450,000 and cargo capacity of 1,600 tons [4][23]. - The airport's development is surprising given that economically vibrant cities like Suzhou have struggled for decades to establish an airport [5][23]. - The airport is seen as a crucial element in Hegang's strategy to improve transportation and attract investment, particularly in the context of its ongoing industrial transformation [30][35]. Group 2: Historical Context - Hegang's economy was historically driven by coal, with proven coal reserves of 4 billion tons, leading to rapid industrial growth in the early 20th century [7][8]. - The peak of Hegang's coal production occurred in the late 1970s and mid-1980s, contributing significantly to national coal output [8]. - However, reliance on coal led to economic decline during the 1990s and early 2000s, exacerbated by national policies aimed at energy transition and safety regulations [9][10]. Group 3: Demographic and Economic Decline - Hegang's population has significantly decreased from 1.099 million in 2000 to 891,300 in 2020, reflecting a loss of 167,400 residents over the past decade [13][16]. - The city's fiscal situation has deteriorated, with a fiscal deficit rising from 180 million yuan in 2001 to 11.8 billion yuan in 2020, indicating severe financial challenges [16][17]. - Hegang is known for its low housing prices, with an average price of 1,984 yuan per square meter as of June 2025, ranking it last among 341 cities surveyed [20][21]. Group 4: Industrial Transformation - Hegang is pursuing a dual strategy of enhancing its coal industry while also transitioning to new industries, including tourism and graphite production [24][25]. - The city has initiated efforts to modernize its coal industry through technological upgrades and diversification into related sectors such as coal-to-chemical products [26][30]. - Hegang possesses significant graphite resources, with proven reserves of 1.731 billion tons, positioning it as a potential leader in the new energy sector [31][33]. Group 5: Future Prospects - The development of the airport is expected to facilitate the growth of Hegang's graphite industry, enhancing its connectivity and attractiveness to talent and investment [35]. - Hegang aims to establish a world-class graphite industry cluster, with a target of achieving a 100 billion yuan industry by 2030 [34][35].