Regional Inequalities and Influencing Factors of Residents’ Health in China: Analysis from the Perspective of Opening-Up

While opening-up promotes regional economic development, its impact on the residents’ health level cannot be ignored. Based on provincial data of China from 2009 to 2020, the Gini Coefficient and Theil Index are used to analyze the regional inequalities in residents’ health in China. The Difference-in-Difference model is constructed to study the impact of China’s opening-up policies and other factors on residents’ health. The results show that, firstly, the health levels of Chinese residents have steadily improved and regional inequalities have been gradually narrowing. Secondly, the Belt and Road Initiative has significantly improved the residents’ health along the route, while the Pilot Free Trade Zone, which is another important opening-up policy in China, has had an inhibitory effect on the health of residents. Thirdly, it is proven that the Belt and Road Initiative improves the health of residents in provinces along the route by increasing the degree of opening-up and improving the regional environmental quality. This study will support and advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities).