3 into 1 for better growth

Since coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province was first raised by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, enthusiasm for the interconnected development of the three areas has grown and early fruits beneficial to local residents have been harvested, contributing to the formation of an initial vibrant and energetic development circle around the capital.

Xi first urged Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei to pursue integrated development on Feb 26, 2014, and he offered a guiding methodology for coordinated development of the three areas.

However, despite accelerated central and local government efforts to promote their coordinated development, concerns have emerged, such as whether Beijing's relocation of non-capital functions and industrial transfer and its ban on population growth are moves to pass on its burdens, and whether Tianjin enjoys any advantages and how can Hebei, which is the least-developed of the three, attract high-level talents.