Recent Developments in Chinese Geographical Research

Geographical research in the People's Republic of China has contributed substantially to the development of the national economy. Several institutes of geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, especially the institute in Peking, have played a leading role in all facets of geographical research. Most research projects are designed to solve the problems of economic production. Research has emphasized physical geography, resource analysis, agricultural development, urban geography, industrial location, and remote sensing. Physical geography continues to dominate the discipline. Extensive study has been undertaken in the virgin and arid lands of the northeast and the northwest regions of China. The call for modernization by China's political leaders has encouraged Chinese geographers to establish scholarly contact with foreign countries.