Dynamic Development of Regional Disparity in Mainland China: An Experimental Study Based on a Multidimensional Index

This paper stems from the previous wisdom to investigate the transitional dynamics of regional disparity in China during the period 1998-2010. This is the very first time that 30 Chinese regions have been benchmarked according to a multidimensional index based on a stochastic kernel density. The multidimensional index contains five domains to capture the socioeconomic development: macroeconomic conditions, science and innovation, environmental sustainability, human capital, and public facilities. This experimental study reveals the existence of a three-peak pattern of convergence during 1998-2010, and improves the understanding of the evolution of regional disparity in China in terms of the comprehensive socioeconomic development.