A Global Times editorial on Monday raised the conception of "national integration," a process through which regional economies, societies and cultures would be integrated into a nationwide network.

Globalization has become a catchphrase in China, but national integration has not been thoroughly studied, although it is progressing apace. It is time that we give the fact some serious thought.

As globalization has optimized resources distribution around the world, national integration has acted similarly on the optimal allocation of finances, materials, information and manpower within China.

Other than market power, government regulation and macro control can also affect national integration.

It has a profound impact on the social pattern, traditional culture and even moral code of China. China has evolved beyond regional characteristics. Increasingly, people are leaving their hometown, seeking their chances in a new world. Against this background, a modern traffic network is emerging.

The benefit of national integration has been reaped, but the negative effects have also begun to show.

The bitter lessons of globalization are obvious. Many developing countries have become further marginalized and fallen into poverty and chaos. Certain developed nations, that initiated the wave of globalization, are now strongly resisting the movement.

China's national integration will continue. But migrant workers, the group that makes the largest contribution to this process, will have to see their conditions improved. This poses a tough challenge. Were it to succeed though, it would stand as a towering achievement of reform.

Many puzzles must still be answered. Is it possible for 1.3 billion people to all lead prosperous lives, or is this only wishful thinking? Should national integration be controlled so the damage it brings to cultural diversity is limited?

The future of globalization will be decided by a few powerful countries, which are also regulated by the global system.

Similarly, China is pushing forward with national integration, while being shaped by it.