Abstract: Due to its special space characteristics and its property of national strategy,basic education in border areas,is not only a vital component of border public services and social development but also a critical support for national security and efforts to stabilize and consolidate borders.The provision of scientific and appropriate basic education policies in border areas is of vital importance for their high-quality development and functional performance.Based on field research in border provinces and the analysis of their relevant basic education policies,this study shows the current gap between their policies and the demands of national strategies and educational development in the new era,major existing problems as well as the underlying constraints.On this basis,it further proposes policy considerations,including strengthening the top-level design of “education for border defense” rooted in national strategies,establishing the new management system featuring “central leadership with provincial primary responsibility”,and improving their policy systems with strategic adaptability and practical relevance.These thoughts aim to provide insights for the innovation and optimization of basic education policies in China's border areas,thereby facilitating the high-quality development of border basic education and the modernization of border governance.

Key words: border areas, education for border defense, the provision of basic education policy, policy optimization