How does China manage governance in a country with 1.4 billion people? For North Macedonia-based scholar Biljana Vankovska, her collaboration with Chinese colleagues sparked a cultural revelation: the very definition of "local" shifts dramatically across borders. Let’s unpack this 🧳.
When a Whole Country Fits a "Local" Label
Vankovska joked that her homeland—North Macedonia, spanning 25,000 km² with 2 million residents—could be "local" in China’s context. But her Shanghai colleague’s response revealed deeper layers: In China, "local" isn’t just geography; it’s a framework connecting communities to nationwide systems.
Layers of "Local" in China 🇨🇳
Administrative: Provincial, city, and district authorities operate under central guidance with tailored autonomy.
Cultural: Think fiery Sichuan cuisine 🥟 vs. Cantonese dim sum—regional identities thrive.
Economic: Local businesses scale within provinces before going national.
Political: Reforms focus on grassroots implementation, like rural tech upgrades or city green spaces 🌳.
A Contrast in Governance
While touring Chinese cities, Vankovska noted clean streets, flowering public areas, and self-sustaining residential hubs. Her hosts clarified: "Life should be high-quality for everyone as members of a shared society." This starkly contrasts with her home’s fragmented local governance, where ethnic divides and corruption often hinder progress.
Key Takeaway: Community Over Chaos
China’s blend of centralized planning and regional flexibility offers lessons in balancing scale and livability. As Vankovska puts it: "Harmony isn’t about uniformity—it’s about systems that work for billions." 🌍✨
