In face of rapid changes, it is easy to forget that many old problems
still persist and have been affecting the country significantly
even after 1979. Therefore, this Special Issue begins with a paper
on coal trade and logistics – a traditional problem in the country
having significant implications for both the economy and the livelihood
of citizens in China over the last century. In their paper,
Wang and Ducruet (this issue) argue that policies have remained
important in understanding the coal shortage, and the changing
patterns of coal imports and consumption in China. The paper also
calls for a better multi-modal transport system linking the inland
and coastal regions. Similarly, the paper by Li et al. (this issue)
focuses on the major role of government or institutions in China
in understanding transport issues. The complex dynamics between
different levels of government, governance reforms, institutional
legacies and conflicts of interest have shaped changes in the inland
waterway transport along the Yangtze River. The changing
patterns of water transport and port logistics have implications
for the transformation of cities, providing opportunities for some
historic port cities to redevelop their waterfront areas. The paper
by Wang (this issue) rightly points out that waterfront redevelopment
in port cities should consider not only transport and logistics
factors but also other factors, such as timing of redevelopment, historic
building conservation, connections with the rest of the city,
and the decision-making process.