Urban Planning in Hong Kong and Integration with the Pearl River Delta: A Historical Account of Local Development

This paper shows the importance that urban planning plays in the development of Hong Kong. This leads to a reassessment of the role of the government, which is the sole proprietor of the land, in the economy – while it acknowledges the importance of market forces. The first part shows how, since 1945, Hong Kong authorities have been obliged to intervene more in urban planning and local development, despite their liberal ideology. The second part focuses on the interaction between government action and market forces, and their influence in this development. The third part deals with the question of the economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) after China started its economics reforms in 1978. The deconcentration of Hong Kong industries to China was mainly due to market forces, but provided a new role for the government. This role is analyzed through its transportation policy – the domain with the most visible governmental intervention before and after 1997. It indicates the preference of the government to develop the territory rather than better integration with the PRD, because of the internal economic problems that may emerge from this integration. Nevertheless, for political and economic reasons, this integration is also seen as necessary. The future of Hong Kong’s economy lies in the answers the authorities will give to this dilemma.     

Urban Planning in Hong Kong and Integration with the Pearl River Delta: A Historical Account of Local Development

This paper shows the importance that urban planning plays in the development of Hong Kong. This leads to a reassessment of the role of the government, which is the sole proprietor of the land, in the economy – while it acknowledges the importance of market forces. The first part shows how, since 1945, Hong Kong authorities have been obliged to intervene more in urban planning and local development, despite their liberal ideology. The second part focuses on the interaction between government action and market forces, and their influence in this development. The third part deals with the question of the economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) after China started its economics reforms in 1978. The deconcentration of Hong Kong industries to China was mainly due to market forces, but provided a new role for the government. This role is analyzed through its transportation policy – the domain with the most visible governmental intervention before and after 1997. It indicates the preference of the government to develop the territory rather than better integration with the PRD, because of the internal economic problems that may emerge from this integration. Nevertheless, for political and economic reasons, this integration is also seen as necessary. The future of Hong Kong’s economy lies in the answers the authorities will give to this dilemma.     

国际城市地下空间开发利用现状、趋势与启示

城市地下空间开发是缓解“城市病”、实现城市可持续发展的重要举措。欧美等发达国家和地区已经积累了丰富的城市地下空间开发的经验和教训。通过调研国际上一些主要城市的地下空间开发利用状况,剖析了当前国际城市地下空间开发的现状、问题及发展趋势,以指导我国城市地下空间开发。目前,国际城市地下空间开发形成了以缓解城市交通拥堵、扩大城市生存空间、建立集约型城市、构建舒适宜居城市环境为导向的开发模式,并以建设绿色、智慧的立体化城市为未来的发展趋势。我国应在充分吸收和学习国际上城市地下空间开发的经验和教训基础上,结合自身城市特点,高质量开发城市地下空间。     

Agglomeration and location choice of foreign financial institutions in China

In the midst of global economic and financial integration, there are increasing cross-border capital flows between China and the rest of the world. Foreign financial businesses also start to play more important roles in the nation’s market after waves of financial reforms. Within such a background, this study aims to investigate the agglomeration and location choice of overseas financial institutions in Chinese cities. Data from the 2004 China Economic Census show that foreign financial establishments, including banks, insurance companies, and other financial service businesses, were mainly agglomerated in coastal cities. In particular, three major urban areas, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, concentrated a majority of overseas financial institutions. Results from regression models show that foreign businesses’ location choice is greatly influenced by a city’s urban economy, involvement in the global market, and telecommunication infrastructure. However, we do not find a significant link between foreign financial institutions’ market entry and the size of domestic financial centers in China.     

Migrants, markets and multinationals: competition among world cities for the highly skilled

Urban areas compete with one another for people, goods, capital, ideas and other inputs of economic activity. Under the rubric of globalization, instead of only maintaining or improving the initial stock of assets in a city, the power of a place to attract outside flows of economic activity from elsewhere is increasingly important to economic development. Similarly, global or world cities are characterized as the command and control points through which these global economic flows operate. In response to the heightened mobility of highly-skilled labor across national borders, research has begun to examine the role of international human capital as an economic flow. This paper will examine the role of places in determining where the highly-skilled go in the global economy by viewing global city command and control functions as requiring unique labor flows. By reviewing the evidence found in the literature, we can better understand the potential for urban areas to compete for highly-skilled labor in the global economy. Known indicators of place attractiveness are assessed to examine the relationship between the economic trajectories of cities and their labor requirements. Cities are situated between firms and states as the key place-based actors which influence the mobility of highly-skilled labor. Finally, the paper also examines measurement issues and methodological problems in creating indices of world cities as well as explores possibilities for new research.     

Identifying China’s leading world city: a network approach

This paper reports our research on China’s world cities. Formal network analysis of air passenger linkages for recent years among China’s most populous cities and among many of the world’s largest cities allows us to identify the country’s leading world city from among the leading Mainland candidates, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We theorize our findings about China’s world cities in relation to both global forces (and China’s increasing entanglement with them) and the policies and actions of the national state. We examine the national and global urban network through a longitudinal, two-level analysis of airline passenger travel for four time points between about 1990 and 2005. We show that Beijing was China’s leading world city at the beginning of the time period, a status it lost nationally in as early as 1995, and then globally 10 years later. On the other hand Shanghai became China’s leading world city, and it acquired this status first nationally in 2000, and then globally in 2005. The changing status of the Chinese capital corresponds to the country’s increasing involvement with the capitalist world economy. Shanghai’s ascendance as the leading world city in China may indicate that global forces have come to play an increasingly important role relative to that of the developmental state.

The characteristics and distribution of International Medical Graduates from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong in the US

As healthcare systems around the world are facing increasing physician shortages, more physicians are migrating from low to high income countries. Differences in medical education and international interaction may have significant effect on physician flows. The Chinese Medical Graduates (CMGs) in the US present an interesting case to examine this effect. This paper evaluated the current number and historical trends of CMGs in the US from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong comparing their differences and similarities in terms of demographic and geographic characteristics. Since 2000, the number of CMGs in the US showed a consistent upward trend at a rate of approximately 206 additional graduates per year. In 2010, there were 8,797 CMGs in the US. Compared to CMGs from mainland China, CMGs from Taiwan and Hong Kong were much older. Much larger proportion of Taiwan and Hong Kong CMGs were male. However, they were more likely to practice in solo settings than mainland CMGs. The vast majority of CMGs are concentrated in urban areas and no significant differences were found for their distributions in underserved areas. However, a larger proportion of Taiwan and Hong Kong CMGs were in western coastal states; whereas a larger proportion of mainland CMGs were located in eastern coastal states. Fluctuations in CMG numbers in the US reflect the significant differences within the medical education systems among the three. The seemingly homogenous CMGs in the US do show significant differences. Given the magnitude and historical trends of migration of CMGs to the US, further exploration of its causes and impact is needed.     

Cross-border regional development in Southern China

Cross-border zones have been developed rapidly in China since 1979. This was largely due to the global economic restructuring in the post-Fordist era. The enclave of Hong Kong plays an indispensable role in the process. While China adopts the Open Door Policy, factories in Hong Kong are quick to relocate to the Pearl River Delta region in order to benefit from the low production costs and other preferential policies. The paper first reviews the factors leading to the economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region of southern China. It then examines the sectoral changes and the socio-economic data of the region. Rapid urbanization and rural urbanization are reflected in the quest for infrastructural development plans and the loss of quality farmland. They also bring along environmental hazards. The paper concludes with the call for a comprehensive development strategy for the region into the next century. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

五千年来珠江口两岸沉积差异及其对香港城市和基础设施规划的影响

珠江口伶仃洋两岸5000年来沉积差异显著。西岸沉积了数千平方公里的三角洲平原,却失去了所有深水良港;而东岸的香港海岸,则长期处于侵蚀状态,保留了曲折的海岸和陡峻的水下岸坡,形成众多的深水港湾。以上差异对香港城市发展有深远影响。文章提出城港关系演变的3个阶段。香港高度发达的商业中心和现代化港口的各种功能系统在最狭小的空间里交叠在一起,带来城市发展的一系列问题。最后对今后50年香港城市发展进行情景分析。从持续发展的角度,指出计划的大屿山新港址有严重的策略选择问题。提出未来香港都市向大屿山东北扩展的策略选择。     

A tale of Asia’s world ports: The spatial evolution in global hub port cities

Globalization and transport revolutions, logistics integration, and the consequent expansion of port area and hinterland in the maritime industry have redefined the functional role of ports in supply chains and have generated a new pattern of freight distribution. This phenomenon again requires a new approach towards port development and related urban planning. Such changes have inevitably influenced the spatial structure of hub port cities. As existing models on spatial and functional evolution of ports and cities are mainly derived from European and American cases, this paper attempts to introduce evidence from an Asian perspective, focusing on the particular case of global hub port cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore.     

The characteristics of automobile catalyst-derived platinum group elements in road dusts and roadside soils: a case study in the Pearl River Delta region,South China

The emission of platinum group elements (PGE) from automobile catalytic converters has led to enrichment of PGE in road dusts and roadside soils in urban areas that are well above the natural background levels. This paper evaluates the source of contamination of all the PGE and Au in road dusts and roadside soils in the Pearl River Delta region, including three major cities, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, South China. Samples were digested using Carius tube and analyzed by isotope dilution ICP-MS; Os was separated by distillation and other PGE by Te-coprecipitation. All samples have elevated PGE concentrations above the background values of uncontaminated soils and contain higher Pt, Pd and Rh than other PGE. The maximum values are 181 ng/g Pt, 514 ng/g Pd, 53 ng/g Rh and 1345 ng/g Au. There are clear positive correlations between Pt and Pd, Pt and Rh, and Pd and Rh, indicating that the main emitted of PGE from automobile catalyst are Pt, Pd and Rh. High concentrations of Au were also found in road dust samples from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Dust samples with higher Os contents have lower ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios. Samples from Hong Kong show relatively high Pt/Rh ratios. Positive correlations between Pt and Ru, and Pt and Ir were found in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, but only positive correlations between Pt and Ir were found in Guangzhou. These different characteristics reflect different automobile catalytic systems used in Hong Kong and mainland China.     

长江三角洲都市连绵区性状特征与形成机制研究

近年来 ,长江三角洲除继续保持中国最大的经济核心区外 ,城市发展也呈现新的趋势和特点 ,以上海为中心 ,形成一批经济实力强、社会发展水平高、投资环境优越的城市群。区域城市化进程加快 ,向巨型大都市连绵区发展。从世界大都市连绵区的发展趋势出发 ,概要论述了长江三角洲大都市连绵区的形成、发展过程和现状特征。认为长江三角洲都市连绵区由中心城市、城市发展轴线和次级城市群及其腹地构成 ,已形成 5个层次的城市等级体系 ;区内产业结构向高层次转化 ,外向型经济蓬勃发展 ,现代化基础设施初具规模。概括起来 ,长江三角洲都市连绵区形成的动力机制主要表现在如下几个方面 :1政府权力层层下放 ;2行政区划调整 ;3投资主体多元化 ;4市场建设与乡镇和个体企业发展。     

香港山泥倾泻防灾减灾管理体系

香港曾因频繁的斜坡重力活动发生人员财产重大灾害损失,1977年将斜坡安全纳入政府职责后,建立了一套全面统一的管理体系,这使事故及人员伤亡数量大大降低,为世界斜坡安全管理提供了成功案例。基于实地考察访问、交流研讨和文献资料查询,梳理并总结香港斜坡管理体系、经验模式,为内地相应地区和相关部门的防灾减灾体系建设提供借鉴。     

Track analysis and storm surge investigation of 2017 Typhoon Hato: were the warning signals issued in Macau and Hong Kong timed appropriately?

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the storm surge caused by Typhoon Hato, which severely affected Macau, Hong Kong, and other coastal cities in China on 23 August 2017. A typhoon and storm surge coupling model demonstrated that the maximum storm surge height reached nearly 2.5?m along the coast of Macau, while that in Hong Kong was slightly below 2?m. Furthermore, a field survey of urban flooding revealed evidence of a 2.25-m inundation in downtown Macau and a 0.55-m inundation on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, which were likely exacerbated by a combination of storm surge, heavy rainfall, and surface water runoff over a complex hilly terrain. Significant wave overtopping and runup also occurred in beach and port areas. A typhoon track analysis confirmed that several comparably strong typhoons have followed similar ESE to WNW trajectories and made landfall in the Pearl River Delta in the last few decades. Although Hato was not the strongest of these storms, its forward speed of about 32.5?km/h was remarkably faster than those of other comparable typhoons. Higher levels of storm signal warnings were issued earlier in Hong Kong than in Macau, raising questions about the appropriate timing of warnings in these two nearby areas. Our analysis of the storm’s pattern suggests that both regions’ decisions regarding signal issuance could be considered reasonable or at least cannot be simply blamed, given the rapid motion and intensification of Hato and the associated economic risks at stake.     

国内城市地下空间开发利用现状与发展趋势

我国城镇化水平不断提高的过程中,各类“城市病”是多数城市必须面对的难题,城市地下空间的开发利用成为各个城市解决这一问题的有效途径。在这样的背景下,我国城市地下空间开发利用从21世纪起进入快速发展阶段,十几年来地下空间利用增长迅猛,成就斐然。文章总结了当前我国城市地下空间各功能开发现状,并分等级叙述了我国几类城市地下空间开发利用现状。最后文章提出我国城市地下空间开发利用的趋势是向地质调查先行,网络化与分层化规划,协同化利用,内部环境生态化和人性化,管理数字化和智能化方向发展;不同城市将根据其社会经济需求和地质环境特点差异化重点开发,科学利用城市地下空间资源,发挥其社会、经济效益,让城市更美好。     

北京城市地质工作进展与思考

本文分析了北京城市地质工作主要进展,提出了当前城市地质工作中存在的主要问题,思考了未来北京城市地质工作发展方向。提出:北京建设世界城市对地质工作提出了更高的战略需求,需要充分借鉴纽约、伦敦和东京等特大城市地质工作经验,启动城市地质工作立法,强化城市地质工作服务经济社会发展的先行性作用;实施首都建设地质响应计划,统筹部署地质工作;加快首都地区地质资源环境承载能力监测预警平台建设步伐,有效解决与城市发展和城市居民生活密切相关的重大地质问题。     

基于风险理念的黄土滑坡调查与编图研究

滑坡风险管理在国外已成为缓减地质灾害损失的重要手段,我国(香港地区除外)在滑坡风险管理方面起步较晚,尚处于探索阶段,目前正在开展的地质灾害详细调查项目尚没有很好地采用国际上流行的风险管理的理念和技术方法.本文以国土资源大调查部署实施的延安市宝塔区地质灾害详细调查示范项目为例,借鉴国际滑坡和工程边坡联合技术委员会制订的<...     

Review: Urban groundwater issues and resource management,and their roles in the resilience of cities

The relationships between cities and underlying groundwater are reviewed, with the aim to highlight the importance of urban groundwater resources in terms of city resilience value. Examples of more than 70 cities worldwide are cited along with details of their groundwater-related issues, specific experiences, and settings. The groundwater-related issues are summarized, and a first groundwater-city classification is proposed in order to facilitate a more effective city-to-city comparison with respect to, for example, the best practices and solutions that have been put in practice by similar cities in terms of local groundwater resources management. The interdependences between some groundwater services and the cascading effects on city life in cases of shock (e.g., drought, heavy rain, pollution, energy demand) and chronic stress (e.g., climate change) are analyzed, and the ideal groundwater-resilient-city characteristics are proposed. The paper concludes that groundwater is a crucial resource for planning sustainability in every city and for implementing city resilience strategies from the climate change perspective.

     

Multi-directional efficiency analysis-based regional industrial environmental performance evaluation of China

This study evaluates the environmental efficiency of industrial sectors of Chinese major cities. The multi-directional efficiency analysis (MEA) approach is utilized for evaluation; thus, both the integrated MEA efficiency levels and the efficiency patterns, which are represented by the variable-specific MEA efficiency according to each type of the industrial pollutant emission or discharge, of Chinese major city are detected. In addition, the industrial energy conservation and pollutant reduction potentials are measured, and the relationship between environmental pressure and income is explored at the regional level of China. The main findings include the following: (1) The MEA environmental efficiency increases in the economically less developed cities were faster than the cities in the well-developed region, which indicates that the inequitable nationwide industrial developments of Chinese cities have started to alleviate. (2) Although some Chinese cities show similar environmental efficiency levels, the undesirable output variable-specific efficiency patterns of these cities are diversified, and according to the variable-specific efficiency, the most possible efficiency increase potential of each Chinese major city can be identified. (3) An N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve exists in the industrial sectors of Chinese major cities. (4) Different Chinese cities should have different industrial pollutant reduction priorities: East China cities should pay more attention to their industrial waste gas emissions and industrial waste water discharges, while west China cities should mainly focus on their industrial soot and dust emissions, and solid waste discharges.

     

Multi-directional efficiency analysis-based regional industrial environmental performance evaluation of China

This study evaluates the environmental efficiency of industrial sectors of Chinese major cities. The multi-directional efficiency analysis (MEA) approach is utilized for evaluation; thus, both the integrated MEA efficiency levels and the efficiency patterns, which are represented by the variable-specific MEA efficiency according to each type of the industrial pollutant emission or discharge, of Chinese major city are detected. In addition, the industrial energy conservation and pollutant reduction potentials are measured, and the relationship between environmental pressure and income is explored at the regional level of China. The main findings include the following: (1) The MEA environmental efficiency increases in the economically less developed cities were faster than the cities in the well-developed region, which indicates that the inequitable nationwide industrial developments of Chinese cities have started to alleviate. (2) Although some Chinese cities show similar environmental efficiency levels, the undesirable output variable-specific efficiency patterns of these cities are diversified, and according to the variable-specific efficiency, the most possible efficiency increase potential of each Chinese major city can be identified. (3) An N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve exists in the industrial sectors of Chinese major cities. (4) Different Chinese cities should have different industrial pollutant reduction priorities: East China cities should pay more attention to their industrial waste gas emissions and industrial waste water discharges, while west China cities should mainly focus on their industrial soot and dust emissions, and solid waste discharges.