Suchergebnisse

In the context of increasing resource and environmental constraints, measurement and determinants of green utilization efficiency of urban land (GUEUL) is currently the subject of a rapidly expanding literature. Previous research concerning determinants of GUEUL focuses primarily on effects of socio-economic conditions on GUEUL, and little attention has been devoted to impacts of spatial structure and urban development patterns. This research explores impacts of polycentric development on GUEUL of urban agglomeration (UA), using data for major UAs in China covering the period 2005–2019. GUEUL and the extent of polycentricity is measured by employing an improved directional slack-based measure (SBM) model and the rank-size distribution-based approach, respectively. The linkage between polycentric development and GUEUL is explored by estimating models of determinants of GUEUL, and the nonlinear characteristics of the relationship are investigated by employing the panel threshold model approach. The results suggest that polycentric development positively impacts GUEUL of UAs, and such effect rises with economic development levels. In addition, degree of agglomeration, economic development level and intensity of government investment in science and technology is found to be positively related to GUEUL. The empirical results have significant implications for improving GUEUL through formulating and implementing regional and urban policies.

Based on discussions of small country agency in international relations, this article reexamines China–South Sudan relations from the perspective of asymmetric relationships. Detailing how the asymmetric relationship between China and South Sudan exacerbated misperceptions and conflict, the article also tests the feasibility of applying Brantly Womack's theory of asymmetry in relationships in a non-security context. As asymmetry is an underlying structural factor in China–South Sudan relations, managing the asymmetry will continue to be challenging for both China and South Sudan in the years to come. (China/GIGA)

The Natural Bounty of China is an important book series of 60 titles that comprehensively documents the vast diversity of China's natural resources. China recognizes more than 1,600 products unique to the country - known as geographical indication products. This series describes these products in detail, with each single volume focusing on a particular region of China and the unique products cultivated there, such as Changbaishan ginseng in northeast China to the bean paste of Pixian (the "soul of Sichuan cuisine") in the southwest. From the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang to history-steeped Shandong and gorgeously scenic Yunnan, almost every place in the country has produced something that is readily identifiable with it. This series not only makes a major contribution to our understanding of the geography and agriculture of China, but also gives us a greater appreciation of Chinese culture as a whole. This volume looks at the abundant resources and products of China's historic capital city, Beijing.