| Publication |
2014.
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| Summary/Abstract |
China has been surging ahead and pushing for infrastructural development in the western region of the country, which includes the restive areas of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). This push is essential if it sincerely wants the often ignored west of the country to be at par with the relatively more thriving east. Included in the government's plans, which began in the year 2000, is the setting up of small-scale industries and factories and also tapping into the vast mineral deposits in the area, and, in the process, generating employment for the locals. Furthermore, plans to improve connectivity within the area are also underway. This includes establishing rail and road networks linking the region, in particular the Tibetan plateau with the mainland. Massive projects are already underway, with some in the second or third phases. Prime among these projects is the ambitious Qinghai-
Tibet Railway (QTR) link.
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