Final answer:
Rapid urbanization in eastern China is primarily driven by the nation's robust economic development and facilitated by government policies and reforms that encourage migration to urban centers. This has necessitated a focus on sustainable urban development to address related challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rapid urbanization in eastern China is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by various economic and social factors. Economic development has played a critical role, with China's fast-growing economy demanding more labor in cities where industrial and service sectors are concentrated.
Additionally, government policies, such as those encouraging foreign investment and infrastructure development, have directly contributed to the expansion and attractiveness of urban areas. Besides economic incentives, the Chinese Hukou system, which has historically regulated the movement of people, has undergone reforms allowing greater internal migration, further accelerating urban population growth.
This complex interplay of factors has not only facilitated the transfer of a vast portion of the population from rural to urban areas but has also raised issues regarding urban planning, housing, and social services. Such rapid urbanization underscores the imperative need for sustainable urban development strategies to address the ensuing socioeconomic challenges.