In his report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping re-emphasized the urgency to deepen reform and revive the industrial base of Northeast China.

In fact, since the 16th Party Congress in 2002, revitalization of the northeastern region has been a significant strategic measure of the Chinese leadership to promote harmonious regional economic development. But even after more than a decade of efforts by governments at various levels and despite a series of supportive policies and special funds, the desired results have not been achieved.

Many scholars have come up with suggestions and plans to revitalize Northeast China. Economist Justin Yifu Lin's research group, for example, released a report, suggesting that Jilin province make use of its comparative advantages to regain its "glorious past".