Spatial–Temporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of Cultivated Land Use Transition in Sino–Vietnamese Border Areas

Understanding the transformation of cultivated land use is crucial for advancing sustainable development goals related to food security. However, in mountainous regions, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that fully account for the diverse factors influencing cultivated land use transformation. This study aims to elucidate the temporal and spatial dynamics of cultivated land resource transformation in the mountainous Sino–Vietnam border area, uncover its underlying driving mechanisms, and offer insights for safeguarding cultivated land, promoting economic development, ensuring homeland security, enhancing ecological security, and bolstering border stability and prosperity. To investigate the cultivated land use transformation pattern in the Sino–Vietnam border area from 2000 to 2020, we employed kernel density estimation and geo-information spectra. Additionally, we developed a comprehensive driving force system tailored to the unique characteristics of cultivated land use in the border region. We applied a spatial econometric model to dissect the driving mechanisms governing cultivated land use transformation. Our findings revealed several key insights: (1) The density of cultivated land in the Sino–Vietnam border area exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Notably, the transformation of cultivated land was most prominent in the eastern plains, intensifying over time. (2) The predominant type of transformation in the Sino–Vietnamese border area revolved around the mutual conversion of cultivated land and woodland, with the mutual conversion of cultivated land and grassland ranking second. (3) Against the backdrop of urban–rural integration, the transformation of cultivated land use at the border progressed from a phase of rapid decline to a phase of slower decline. (4) The transformation of cultivated land was influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, natural environmental conditions, policy management, and transportation infrastructure. The relative importance of these factors in driving cultivated land use transformation varied significantly across different time periods. In light of these findings, we recommend promoting agricultural modernization and industrialization in the Sino–Vietnamese border areas. It is essential to consider the region’s distinct cultivated land characteristics, implement tailored land policies, and develop diversified strategies for the utilization and management of cultivated land. Furthermore, harnessing land resources to stimulate economic development should be a focal point of future initiatives in the area.