EACS-2016. Book of Abstracts

Economics 21st Biennial Conference of the European Association for Chinese Studies 198 relative shortage of natural resources and environment protection by using of new energy-saving technolo- gies. The growth of China's population will determine the prospects of modernization and socio-economic development in future. Dalen Kristin (Fafo Research Foundation / University of Bergen) “It’s no Longer Fair”— Chinese Perceptions of Inequalities Based on Hukou Status, across Population Groups and Over Time Key words: Hukou, fairness, distribution, migrants, perceptions Despite the political leaderships increased focus on social equality and fairness, the hukou system of household registration is still a solid basis for durable inequalities in access and entitlement to social protections and benefits in the Chinese society. Xi and his administration needs to reform the system to secure continued growth and stability, but do they have the popular support to embark on these reforms? This paper will explorer to what extent the hukou system is still producing distinctive social groups as Wang Feng described in 2010 (Wang, 2010) and further how these groups of the Chinese population perceive inequality in access and entitlement based on hukou status. To what extent is it perceived fair that people with urban hukou are entitled to better benefits and hence better life chances? Have urban dwellers contributed more to, and benefitted more from the economic reforms in modern China, and to what extent is that just? The paper will compare perceptions on the institutionalization of hukou across different groups in the Chinese society (hukou status, social-economic back ground, human capital, age, gender etc.), and look at developments over the last ten years. The presentations will be based on unique data from three comparable Chinese national surveys of distributive justice and perceptions of fairness conducted by Beida (RCCC) and Harvard in 2004 and by Beida (RCCC), Harvard and Fafo in 2014. The data allows for comparative analysis of characteristics and perceptions over time and between population groups. Epikhina Raisa (Lomonosov Moscow State University) Yangtze River Economic Belt: Prospects and Challenges Key words: Yangtze River Economic Belt, Regional Integration, City Clusters, Logistics, Sustain- able Development As China is entering the stage of a “new normal”, focus of its economic development is gradually shifting from export orientation to domestic consumption. In order to develop internal markets and reduce regional disparities the 13th Five-Year Plan will revolve around integration in forms of urban clusters, economic belts and zones. This paper looks at the case of theYangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). Through the analysis of official development plans, regional statistical data, analytical reports and media coverage, it investigates prospects and challenges of regional integration in that area. Major strengths of YREB include its large scope (it covers 1/5 of China’s territory with population of over 585 mln people) and access to capital and world class management, as well as relatively cheap labour, resources and river transportation. The project aims at creation of several city clusters and further develop- ment of logistics channels in order to create integrated production chains and large distribution area. However, it may be challenging to realize the full potential of the project given that it involves both some of the richest and poorest Chinese provinces (e.g. Zhejiang and Guizhou). Moreover integration may be hampered by the fact that coastal regions are more connected to global markets, while inland provinces form several regional markets characterized by similar economic structure and local protectionism. Finally, there is a high risk of pollution migration from east to west. In response to the latter in January 2016 Xi Jinping announced that environmental protection and res- toration would be a “dominant focus” for the YREB, leaving the future of construction projects uncertain. Taking it into consideration, in conclusion this paper discusses alternative areas of development, that will allow this region to raise living standard of the people and ensure “green” economic growth.