A Study on Key Issues in the Regulatory Oversight of PPP Projects During the Operational Phase: A Case Study of the Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmsd.202612404

Author(s)

Yuqing Li

Affiliation(s)

Department of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China

Abstract

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model plays a significant role in infrastructure provision. Currently, China has gradually shifted from a focus on “construction over operation” to “full life-cycle management,” yet many shortcomings remain in operational phase supervision. Using the Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge PPP project as a case study and drawing on international experience, this paper systematically analyzes key issues in the supervision of China’s PPP projects during the operational phase.The study finds that China faces issues such as unreasonable risk-sharing mechanisms, a disconnect between performance evaluation and payment mechanisms, unclear responsibilities among regulatory bodies during the operational phase, a lack of full life-cycle management, and an imperfect legal and institutional framework. By comparing China’s approach with the UK’s PPP regulatory model, this paper proposes countermeasures including establishing a dynamic risk-sharing mechanism, improving a performance-oriented payment system, strengthening full life-cycle supervision, and enhancing the professionalization of regulatory practices. This research holds significant theoretical and practical implications for optimizing the governance of China’s PPP projects.

Keywords

PPP; Operational Phase Supervision; Risk Sharing; Performance Management; Hangzhou Bay Bridge

References

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