China’s government has unveiled plans to boost the mainland city of Shenzhen and make it into what state media called a “better place” than neighbouring Hong Kong, following another huge pro-democracy rally in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Weeks of rallies, demonstrations, and occupations have plunged Hong Kong into crisis — which Beijing is now framing as an opportunity for Shenzhen’s development. On Monday, state-run media outlined a set of guidelines released by the central Chinese government that aims to turn Shenzhen into a pilot area of “socialism with Chinese characteristics”.
