China faces the challenge of modernizing a vast territory where per capita GDP varies up to fourfold across provinces. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that achieving high-quality growth requires respecting the unique conditions of each region.
Additionally, at the Central Urban Work Conference last summer, Xi questioned whether every province should pursue the same industries, such as artificial intelligence, computing, or new energy vehicles. He highlighted the core principle of China’s development: modernization must adapt to local realities. This philosophy guides the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), a period critical for balancing opportunities with risks.
Moreover, Xi reiterated this principle at the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2025. He criticized localities that blindly chase trends, whether in chip manufacturing or “new trio” projects—electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaics. Xi used a vivid analogy: just as nature displays biodiversity, communities vary in needs and resources, so no region should follow an identical path.
Therefore, this approach has been consistent throughout Xi’s career. In Fujian Province, he leveraged the mountains and seas for development. In Zhejiang, he helped villages find tailored paths to prosperity. As China’s leader, Xi applies this philosophy across sectors, including poverty alleviation, ecological conservation, industrial planning, and urban development. He urges officials to “look for the right key for each lock,” focusing on local strengths and addressing weaknesses.
Practical examples abound. Heilongjiang Province, China’s “northern granary,” achieved its 22nd consecutive bumper grain harvest in 2025, producing 82 million tonnes. Xi highlighted that serving as a grain hub is as vital as the Yangtze River Delta’s role in technology. In Guizhou, hydropower and a cool climate support a data infrastructure cluster attracting Apple, Huawei, and Tencent. Inner Mongolia exploits wind and solar resources to achieve over 170 million kilowatts of new energy capacity. Shanxi modernizes coal use with efficient, clean technologies.
Xi warned that developing new, quality productive forces does not mean abandoning traditional industries. He stressed avoiding blind expansion, bubbles, or one-size-fits-all solutions. Officials should pursue achievements for the people based on realities and objective laws, rather than political showmanship.
