  A multi-regional input-output table (MRIOT) containing the transactions among
the region-sectors in an economy defines a weighted and directed network. Using
network analysis tools, we analyze the regional and sectoral structure of the
Chinese economy and their temporal dynamics from 2007 to 2012 via the MRIOTs of
China. Global analyses are done with network topology measures. Growth-driving
province-sector clusters are identified with community detection methods.
Influential province-sectors are ranked by weighted PageRank scores. The
results revealed a few interesting and telling insights. The level of
inter-province-sector activities increased with the rapid growth of the
national economy, but not as fast as that of intra-province economic
activities. Regional community structures were deeply associated with
geographical factors. The community heterogeneity across the regions was high
and the regional fragmentation increased during the study period. Quantified
metrics assessing the relative importance of the province-sectors in the
national economy echo the national and regional economic development policies
to a certain extent.
