This Interim Report (IR) gives a short overview of the current state of "regional" and "rural development" research in China, reflecting the international English language literature on the subject. Its aim is to identify leading themes and trends in current research. This should help us identify deficiencies and gaps in our knowledge, which could become areas for further investigation. In particular, the report outlines research topics that are policy relevant and could lead to recommendations on how China might promote development in interior provinces and rural areas.