The borderlands in China are not merely peripheral areas, they are critical to the nation's core interests, serving as key interfaces between the central government and diverse local dynamics. These regions, often home to multiple ethnic groups, are strategically vital for maintaining social stability and safeguarding national security. Far from being isolated, borderlands are deeply integrated with the rest of the nation, both politically and economically.

The central government actively engages in borderland governance through strategic policies and initiatives, and it is developing infrastructure in these regions to foster greater connectivity. This underscores the central government's recognition of the importance of borderlands for national unity and economic growth. Additionally, borderlands are essential buffer zones that influence China's international relations and manage transnational challenges such as migration, trade, and security.

Social stability in the borderlands is critical because unrest in these regions could ripple across the whole nation, potentially destabilizing broader socio-political structures. For instance, effective governance in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Xizang autonomous region is essential to ensure ethnic harmony and territorial integrity. As such, the central government's focus on fostering development and ensuring stability in the borderlands reinforces their indispensable role in China's broader national strategy.

In history, the governance of the borderlands embodies a complex interplay between security, stability, and development — the "impossible trinity", as I call them. This framework highlights the inherent tensions between these priorities, as each can conflict with the others under certain circumstances. Absolute security, while crucial for safeguarding territorial integrity and preventing external threats, can impose strict controls on borderland activities. These measures may inadvertently hinder economic development by restricting cross-border trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Rapid economic growth, on the other hand, could lead to social instability if not carefully managed.

While social stability requires internal motivations, such as fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among borderland communities, such grassroots cohesion can sometimes conflict with national security priorities, especially if local demands diverge from central policies.

Balancing these three objectives requires nuanced strategies that prioritize long-term sustainable development, inclusive policymaking, and adaptive governance, ensuring that progress in one domain does not undermine the others. Since 2012, China has intensified the focus on its borderland and ethnic policies, leading to significant economic and social advancements in these regions. The central government has implemented targeted initiatives to promote development and enhance social stability in areas such as Xinjiang, Xizang, and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Yunnan province. In particular, poverty reduction programs have been implemented, resulting in improved living standards for the ethnic minority populations in the border areas.

The government has also increased investments in education and healthcare services, enhancing access and the quality of services for people of ethnic minorities in the border regions. In addition, policies have been enacted to protect and promote the cultural heritage of ethnic groups, including support for traditional arts and languages; and efforts have been made to foster a strong sense of community among all ethnic groups, promoting national unity and social cohesion.

The Communist Party of China plays a pivotal role in addressing the "impossible trinity" of borderland governance. By leveraging its centralized authority and mobilizing all sectors of society, the CPC has effectively coordinated policy goals among diverse stakeholders, ensuring an integrated approach to governance in these sensitive regions.

Under the leadership of the CPC, governance in the borderlands extends beyond government structures to engage social organizations, businesses, and local communities.

For example, the Belt and Road Initiative channels investments into the borderlands, creating jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities for local development. Efforts to promote ethnic unity, such as bilingual education and cultural exchanges, have also been carried out to foster social cohesion while preserving local identities.

CPC oversight ensures cooperation among the military, police, and civilian institutions to address border security challenges and transnational threats. The CPC's governance model emphasizes the alignment of national, regional, and local interests. Policies are designed to promote development, ensure stability and preserve local culture. Infrastructure projects such as highways and railways enhance connectivity. Great efforts are made to address social grievances and prevent unrest.

Policies are also mapped out to safeguard ethnic traditions while integrating borderlands into the national narrative. Through this top-down, coordinated approach, the CPC successfully navigates the complex dynamics of borderland governance.

From a long-term perspective, the BRI offers significant opportunities for China's borderland governance and high-quality development, serving as a key driver for economic growth, infrastructure development and social stability. By enhancing connectivity across regions, the BRI fosters mutual benefits for both China and its neighboring countries. The construction of railways, highways, ports, and airports under the BRI framework enhances physical connectivity between China's borderlands and neighboring countries.

For instance, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and rail links to Central Asia open up new trade routes and economic pathways. And the BRI's focus on regional trade corridors boosts commerce in border areas by facilitating cross-border trade and attracting investment. Economic zones, such as the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, can create jobs and stimulate local economies.

The BRI also strengthens China's relations with neighboring countries, enhancing regional security through cooperation in economic, cultural and security affairs. By developing economically vibrant and integrated border regions, the BRI can reduce the appeal of separatism or extremism by providing people with tangible benefits from national integration.

The author is a professor at the National Academy of Governance, where he conducts research on social governance and borderland studies. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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