ИСТИНА

The Sino-Russian border accommodates a number of neighboring urban systems that are proximate and oriented towards each other. Till devaluation of the Russian currency in 2014, Chinese border urban systems were more dependent on their Russian counterparts, as Russian consumers were keeping their economies vibrant by purchasing Chinese goods and services. The mutual dependence of border urban systems was formed spontaneously in the course of market reforms and liberalisation of foreign trade both in China and Russia. Blagoveshchensk and Heihe may exemplify such model of interactions. Border location and easy access to international markets allowed Heihe to tripple in size and take a shape of one of eleven provincial centers in Heilongjiang, while Russian border urban systems were able to enhance their centrality within the Russian Far East. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is aimed at increasing economic integration between China and other Eurasian countries by improving transport connectivity and increasing direct contacts between business circles. These plans may trigger various responds in border regions including drop in their competitiveness or a need for territorial rebranding. In this paper we will explore how BRI may impact interconnected urban systems on the Sino-Russian border using Blagoveshchensk and Heihe as an example. By looking at opportunities and challenges posed by potential emergence of new international transport corridors and consequent relocation of flows of goods, investments and tourists, we will make an attempt to reveal a new role that border urban systems may gain under the BRI.