Testing the regional convergence in China : A spatial panel analysis

Abstract: This paper tests the regional convergence of GDP per capita across 27 Chinese provinces during the period 1961-2018 with considering the spatial interactions. First, this study only finds a slight divergence over the entire period. Furthermore, the flowing research of this paper divides the overall time span into three sub-period based on two major economic policies, namely the “Open Door Policy” and the “Western Development Strategy”. During the period 1961-1977, which is regarded as a phase of planned economy, this paper finds the evidence of regional convergence. Moreover, the results indicate a slight divergence in GDP per capita during the period 1978-1999, proving that the “Open Door Policy” intensifies regional gaps of China. Finally, this study verifies the role of the “Western Development Strategy” in reducing regional differences since a convergence is found during the last period 2000-2018. The outcomes of this research reveal a strong relationship between economic policies and regional convergence, and thus the transition of policies should be considered when investigating the economic convergence. Furthermore, this research also verifies the importance of spatial effects in the process of convergence or divergence. The results are likely to be biased if the spatial dependence is neglected.