DEVELOPMENT PROSPECT OF COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS OF THE QINGHAI-TIBET PLATEAU IN THE EARLIER STAGE OF 21ST CENTURY
21世纪前期青藏高原交通运输网络发展前景探讨

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the world third polar and the highest terrain of China, has relatively poor natural conditions, essential features of which are cold affected zone with lacking oxygen, remote location with a small population in extensive area. The construction of modern communication and transportation network within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, consisting of 4 transport modes as highway, railway, airline and pipeline, has been launched out in 1950s. So far the modern transportation network has been initially formed, but regarding the scale and structure, it is still relatively laggard. It is estimated that the modern communication and transportation network of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will be greatly accelerated after entering the 21 st century, owing to the implementation of the Strategy of Western China Development, as well as the enhanced supports from both the central government and relevant provinces and cities.