Regional Implementation Mechanism of Chinese-Style Economic Modernization: Theory, Current Status, and Characteristics

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China outlined key policy priorities for enhancing regional coordination and promoting interregional linkage during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The regional implementation mechanisms of Chinese-style economic modernization both inherit and extend Marxist theories of coordinated regional development, while integrating the new development philosophy with a holistic approach to national security. These mechanisms have substantially strengthened regional innovation capacity, improved coordination in development, enhanced environmental quality, advanced high-level opening-up, and fostered more inclusive development outcomes. At the same time, they have helped consolidate the overall security foundation underpinning economic modernization. In terms of structural characteristics, these mechanisms exhibit a distinct configuration marked by people-centered orientation, hierarchical structuring, latecomer advantages, openness, and uneven yet integrated development. They promote an organic alignment of quality, structure, scale, speed, and tempo in economic development, thereby facilitating the further advancement of a unified national market.