China is planning a new special economic zone (SEZ) that will effectively extend the sprawling metropolis of Beijing, transforming the area around the Chinese capital into a “mega-region” that could also see Tianjin and Hebei province come under its sphere of influence.  The 100sq km Xiong’an New Area has been earmarked for a green and low-carbon city with small townships built around it, according to a circular issued by the government.  In the future, it could also be a launch pad for high-tech industries manufacturing 5G communications, bio-medical science, artificial intelligence ...