Specifics of the Chinese regional demographic policy in the northeast of China (using the example of Heilongjiang province)

Abstract

Introduction. The modern development of China, on the one hand, demonstrates high economic results to the whole world, and on the other hand, every year the Chinese government faces various problems, among which is the uneven socio-economic situation of the Eastern, Western, Central and Northeastern regions, as well as negative demographic trends, associated with reduction and aging of the population. Moreover, the demographic situation in different parts of the country has its own specifics. The most difficult situation, both in terms of regional economic indicators and population size, is observed in the provinces of the North-Eastern region of the PRC. Materials and methods. The author analyzed the materials of the Heilongjiang Statistical Bureau, documents of the People's Government of the province in question regarding negative demographic trends, which made it possible to determine the specifics of regional population policy in this territory. The main research methods were systematic, which made it possible to identify patterns in the implementation of regional demographic policy in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang; statistical method contributed to the consideration of quantitative characteristics of the demographic development of Heilongjiang. Results. The reasons of the negative demographic trends in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang are considerable population reduction and annual outflow of highly qualified personnel to the eastern and southeastern Chinese provinces. Starting from 2021, Heilongjiang Province has developed a population policy system under the slogan ‘maintaining comprehensive revival through high-quality demographic development’, including four main areas: 1) improving measures to support fertility; 2) attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel; 3) efficient use of the labor of senior workers; 4) compliance with migration rules. Discussion. The administration of Heilongjiang Province focuses on improving the quality of life of the population. The emerging system of legal regulation of the regional demographic policy in Heilongjiang Province is aimed at involving all organizations, institutions, funds, and public associations in the process of solving the difficult demographic situation connected with population reduction in cities, towns, rural and near-border northeastern regions of China.

Keywords

• regional governance
• demographic policy
• ‘high-quality demographic development’
• population and fertility planning