POSITION AND ROLE OF NORTH-EASTERN PROVINCES IN the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN CHINA
The paper presents the issues related to the development of north-eastern provinces of China (NEC) that take a significant place in the territorial development of China. Strategically important geographical position and high resource potential determine the relevance of the research of NEC economic problems. The major scientific and practical issue of the study is the gap between NEC and the eastern provinces in terms of their economic development. The purpose of the study is to identify and describe the position and role of the north-eastern provinces (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang) in the economic development of modern China through analysis of the most important macroeconomic indicators, consideration of the country political interest in the development of these provinces, etc. The methodological basis of the study is the provisions of the modern theory of regional development and the concept of territorial differentiation used in system analysis and statistical data analysis. The paper studies historical background of NEC economic development; reflects the view of Chinese government in respect of NEC on the basis of policy documents issued by the government for the development of the north-eastern provinces; marks investment trends in the economy of NEC; identifies the structure of financial sources, including investment from abroad; presents the dynamics of the gross regional product and foreign trade; makes conclusions about the current development lag between NEC and the eastern provinces. The authors also consider the specificity of the resource potential and economic development of each of these provinces - Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, understanding Liaoning as the most developed and promising province. Special attention is given to prospects of the Russian neighbor - Heilongjiang with the structure of the economy, which is largely focused on the Russian and Eastern European markets, as well as other countries of Northeast Asia.