Abstract: The subject of this research is current large-scale and comprehensive development strategy of the Far Eastern Federal District, which implies the development of territories possessing a unique economic-geographical and transit position, as well as long border with a densely populated foreign state. Directions within the framework of this strategy allow achieving the urban development potential of the Russia’s side of the border, namely create an additional network of small, medium, large localities, and ensure sustainable development of the existing ones. The author comes to the conclusion that comprehensive implementation of strategies of the Russian Federation carries delayed character, and the key indicator, represented by the population size, will not increase unless the region boosts its productive capacity, followed by the improvement of living standards, and thus, migration inflow and natural population growth. All these processes combined allow achieving the urban development potential of the region, as well as the border areas. The strategies implemented by China are aimed at the promotion of economic ties through expanding the urban development.