Two weeks later, Xinhua News Agency declared that Xiong’an would aim to alleviate the disparities in China’s regional development. The April 2017 announcement referred to Xiong’an as signaling a “strategy for a new millennium” and a “demo area” for a sustainable, modern, and innovative urban model. In order to fully understand the significance of Xiong’an, it is important to review the chronology of announcements by the Chinese leadership. Good news from Xiong’an might directly enhance Xi’s personal prestige as a “farsighted planner.” Therefore, Xiong’an may serve as a very public gauge of the efficacy of the Xi administration’s policies. Just as Shenzhen and Pudong are considered gems of the Deng era, Xi aspires to see his name associated with a new urban miracle. President Xi has played a pivotal role in launching the Xiong’an New Area. Xiong’an can offer an alternative path for both northern China and the nation as a whole. Seven of China’s 10 most polluted cities are located nearby in Hebei Province. This new area aims to be innovative, helping China shift to high value-added industries and escape the “middle-income trap.” Northern China has long been the equivalent of America’s Rust Belt. The development of Xiong’an is critically important as China goes through a transition period. According to a 2017 study by Morgan Stanley, Xiong’an will draw in as much as ¥2.4 trillion ($380 billion) in investment, or thirteen times what China spent on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, Xiong’an will house some of the institutions and companies currently struggling to find space in the crowded capital. Student - Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
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