Introduction China represents a society with the largest populations in the world. Ideally, as a citizen who has lived in China for almost 21 years, I am really proud of the changes and development that the Chinese economy has experienced over the years (Li & Hsu, 2009). The country is currently rated as the second largest economy in the globe after the United States. Hence, the government is credited for introducing policies which compliment both micro and macro businesses in the North and South of China. Despite the significant growth recorded over the years, the regional differentiation showcases a serious problem in the countries overall growth (Darst, 2013). The paper will place emphasis on resources such as transportation, landscaping, and strong labor force. All these factors play a vital role in the countries social-cultural, economic, political, and environmental development in the country as a whole.
Summary
The article takes the initiative to showcases the economic situation in terms of economic development between South and North area in China. Based on comparisons and contrasts of the similarities and differences between these two areas, it became evident that four influential issues that are responsible for the regional differentiation. The four factors in question are; Transportation, Resources for materials, Labor force, and Consumption level (Ming, 2012).
Definition
As mentioned earlier, China has undergone rapid development in the last 30 years. As such, the country has grown from an impoverished economy with socialist principles to an economic powerhouse that embraces capitalist economic practices and functions. In essence, the government has shown effort in integrating western social-cultural, and trade culture and economics (Ming, 2012). As a major in international finance, I have made an important decision to study abroad. That being said, my experience as a graduate after studying for two years has given me an insight of the differences between the North and South of China. Hence, apart from the population, the regions face a number of challenges which influence the difference in the rate of development in both the short and long term (Leppman, 2005).
Compare and Contrast
Landscape between the North and the South
In terms of the landscape, the south has a vast landscape, which is endowed with various natural resources such as mountains, rivers, lakes, forestry, and valleys. This rich landscape accommodates billions of Chinese who rely on the environment for all their economic and social needs (Woo, 2012). In contract, the north has been slowly changing owing to the increase in urbanization. Hence, most of the natural landscapes have been changed to accommodate the rising architectural landmarks, roads, and housing in the country. Though both regions are attractive, people move to the North with the hope of getting better jobs to provide for their families in the South (Darst, 2013). The differences between the North and the South are common themes in the contemporary world. Development is not a function of the presence of natural resources. Rather, application of effort and the relevance for advancement and the biggest determinants of the development process in the contemporary world. Therefore, the southern parts of China lag behind the north. For advancement, there is need for reduced reliance on natural resources and application of technology to advance the modes of production and improve the performance of the economy.
Transportation
In the South of China, people share the same ideologies making them have a simplistic approach to life. Hence, the transportation system is not as developed as that of the north. On the other hand, the northern part of the country has embraced education, employment, and industrialization (Woo, 2012). In turn, the transport system is more advanced owing to the demand by the rising number of professionals. This dynamic brings to question as to whether the north is better than the South considering that most people are moving to the North for better opportunities and welfare (Lardy, 2012). Transport is the driving force behind economic growth for the localized growth of the economies, the transport industry needs to improve and the local infrastructure needs to improve to increase connectivity and trigger growth. The deference between the levels of development is also indicative of the differences in mentalities between the people living in the two areas, while the Southerners are affiliated to the traditional ways of life and simplistic production; the north is affiliated to development and committed to advancement. Therefore, for sustained development of infrastructure and economic growth, it is important to empower the mentalities of the residents to inspire development of all aspects of life.
Resources for Materials
Both the North and the South have a tremendous amount of natural resources needed by the country for development. However, the North has mastered methods of taking advantage of resources from different parts of the country. Since most of the opportunities are found in the North, people are not keen to invest in the south despite its rich resources (Li & Hsu, 2009). The differences in the opportunities, regardless of the natural resources, is a function of the determination of people in the north to advance and increase productivity. Therefore, most industries in the country are located in he north despite the economic equality in terms of resources. The implication is that a developed area is more likely to benefit from new investments than an underdeveloped area. Therefore, the residents of the south need to change their economic outlook and adapt progressive ideologies to facilitate investment and utilization of the rich natural resources in the south.
Labor Force
The labor force is highly competitive in the North. This is attributed to the high level of education in the region. Most people move from the South to the North in search of greener pastures. The North has developed cities, which appeal to the global business setting. Hence, urbanization is predominant in the regions. This makes it lucrative for international investors from offshore countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Brazil (Leppman, 2005). In the contemporary times, outsourcing of industries is a major theme in globalization. In China, the north has benefited from the outsourced factories because they are concentrated in the north. Consequently, the labor force in the north is specialized and competitive because of the relevance of the employment opportunities compared to the south. The difference goes to illustrate that economic advancement is dependent on the local ideologies, the educational systems and the values of the local population.
Consumption Level
The level of consumption is higher in the North than in the South. In fact, China is one of the leading consumers of fuel, household commodities, and emerging technologies. However, the south is not as fast as the North in achieving this dynamic. This is slowly changing given that people from the south have moved to the north and have acquired knowledge on how to invest in their region. The South can take advantage of its natural landscape and human capital to improve its economy in the long run (Lardy, 2012). The different levels of consumption between the north and the south are a function of the higher concentration of people in the north compared to the south and the high productivity of industrial products in the north. In addition, where people have a higher income, there is an increased demand on local industries and thus compelling more growth. Despite the recent emergence of development projects in the south, the north leads in terms of consumption of natural resources.
To conclude, the difference between the two regions is evident owing to the natural landscape and the human landscape/arrangement. One of the ways that the country can overcome this dynamic is by embracing internationalization which encourages people to incorporate cultures from different parts of the globe in the country’s economic system.
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