Features of the Chinese regional demographic policy in the northwestern province of Shaanxi

One of the factors for the success of regional transformations in the northwestern region is stability of the demographic indicators of its provinces and autonomous regions. The article analyzes modern regional demographic policy in Shaanxi in order to identify the demographic problems of this province. As part of the national strategy for balanced development of China’s population, announced in 2016, regional demographic policy in the northwestern province of Shaanxi is aimed at increasing population growth, reducing mortality, raising birth rate, attracting highly qualified workers from other provinces and foreign countries to ensure socio-economic recovery of both this province and the northwestern Chinese territories on the whole. Based on the analysis of Shaanxi statistical data for2000–2023, the article shows uneven distribution of the population throughout the province, accelerated growth of the city of Xi’an at the expense of other cities in the province and rural areas, and decrease in the proportion of working-age residents. The author has found that Shaanxi is creating high-quality socio-economic conditions in the areas of healthcare, education, provision of high-paying vacancies in the labor market, and formation of a uniform spatial innovation infrastructure.

demographic policy, northwest China, Shaanxi province, birth rate, population aging