Regional features and national differences in population distribution in China's border regions (2000-2015)

Abstract

China is of great geostrategic significance not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also in the wider world. The population distribution in China's border regions is of significance for the development of China and neighboring countries. Based on the LandScan Population Distribution Database, this study used GIS spatial analysis and statistics to investigate national trends in the population distribution of China's border regions. The study areas were the buffer zones within specified Euclidean distances from the land borders of China. The results showed that: (1) Although the population agglomeration index and population size inside China's border areas have increased, the population density inside China's border areas is still far below China's average population density; (2) Over the last 15 years, the population of China's northwestern border has been sparse, with small increases in the population agglomeration index and population size. China's northeastern and southwestern border regions have several average population density areas, but the northeastern regions have seen a substantial reduction in population size since 2000. Based on our analysis, we propose that the Chinese government introduce supporting policies for the development of border regions to maintain the population size. At the same time, considering the varied living suitability of the natural environment along the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern borders, "moderate agglomeration" and "moderate evacuation" population development strategies should be implemented in specified areas. Tilt policy should also be implemented in areas of rapid population decline.