What is a National Major Strategic Service and Support Zone?

Justin D. Lee

Since 2024, China has established the strategic positioning of "Three Zones, One Center" for Hainan Province, of which "Two Zones, One Center" are self-explanatory. But how should we understand the concept of a "National Major Strategic Service and Support Zone"?

In simple terms, a National Major Strategic Service and Support Zone refers to an area that provides services and support for the implementation of major national strategies. It may involve multiple aspects, such as the economy, politics, culture, and ecology, aiming to ensure the smooth progress and effective execution of these strategies through a series of policies and measures. Such zones typically receive special policy support and resources to better fulfill their service and support roles.

Take the Xiongan New Area as an example. It has been positioned as a major strategic service and support zone for the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. By relocating Beijing's non-capital functions, Xiongan promotes regional coordinated development, providing essential services and support for this national strategy. Its development not only promotes regional economic balance but also drives the upgrading and transformation of related industries — making it a good example of such a zone.

Let me give you another real-world example.

As an important part of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is taking pioneering steps in the field of medical tourism. It provides services and support for the development of the national medical tourism industry while also facilitating international exchange and cooperation in medical tourism between Hainan and other countries.

So, what is international medical tourism?

It is a new form of tourism that combines medical care with travel. People go abroad or to specific regions not only for sightseeing but also to access medical services such as health check-ups, surgeries, and rehabilitation. This allows them to relax while addressing health issues.

The Lecheng pilot zone has implemented some special medical policies. For example, it allows the introduction and use of certain drugs and medical devices that are approved overseas but not yet available in China, enabling patients to access advanced medical technologies and products domestically. It also has special policies for the establishment and approval of medical institutions, encouraging more international medical providers to set up operations and offer a wider range of services. These policies are designed to promote Lecheng’s development as a world-renowned medical tourism destination.

For instance, recently, Hua Han (Hainan) Aesthetic Medicine Hospital, leveraging the "pilot first" special policies of the Boao Lecheng zone, officially introduced the cutting-edge licensed imported pharmaceutical "V-OLET Deoxycholic Acid Injection" (commonly known as a "lipolysis injection") from South Korea. This made the hospital the first in China to receive approval and exclusive usage rights, meeting the needs of contemporary beauty seekers who desire a fuller, more contoured face and a well-defined jawline. In fact, issues like sagging jawlines and chin fat accumulation — severe cases of which not only affect appearance but can also impact daily life — can be addressed through such treatments.

In summary, establishing Hainan as a National Major Strategic Service and Support Zone holds great significance. First, it better serves major national strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative, making Hainan a vital bridge connecting China with the rest of the world. Second, it promotes Hainan’s own economic and social development, enhancing its overall strength and competitiveness. Third, it plays an important role in fostering coordinated regional development, driving growth in surrounding areas. Finally, it provides valuable experience and models for deepening China’s reform and opening-up and advancing modernization. Isn't that highly significant?