Nanning – Perils and promise of a frontier city

Geography also plays a pivotal role in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Autonomous Region and a frontier city bordering Vietnam. The city’s progress was impeded for centuries when China and Vietnam were adversaries but has become positive recently as China warms up to ASEAN. Proximity to Vietnam and South China Sea access made it a natural gateway to trade and investment ties with ASEAN. Being the only city with maritime access in China’s Western Region has also made it a magnet for development efforts.