Rural Restructuring under Globalization in Eastern Coastal China:What can we learn from Wales?

The differentiation of rural development in eastern coastal China has been exaggerated by the rapid rural restructuring under globalization, since economic reforms and an open-door policy were initiated in 1978. The problems associated with rural restructuring in China may in part be addressed by drawing on experiences and achievements from other countries, including Britain, which may have experienced similar developmental stages as part of their trajectory of rural progression. This paper examines the different trajectories of rural development and different policies and strategies for rural development in eastern coastal China and Wales, identifying points of convergence and divergence, and considering the possible lessons that China might take from the experience of rural development in Wales. Keywords: Rural restructuring, globalization, comparative study, Wales, eastern coastal China