The 1938 Yellow River Flood, chronic banditry, as well as the barbaric treatment of its people by every previous ruler who has called the city their domain, has left the citizens of Zhengzhou apathetic about the central government in Nanjing. Things could not possibly get any worse is the mantra of the day, rather than any sort of patriotic support for the collaborators. The Reorganised Government of China recognised the value and potential of Zhengzhou as a city of national importance, and negotiated to the bitter end with the Japanese to have the city's administration transferred from the North China Political Council to the Nanjing government, to which Japan reluctantly agreed. Ever since the transfer of sovereignty, Zhengzhou has served as the provincial capital of Zhongyuan Province.

Since Zhengzhou is more docile and somewhat receptive to RGOC rule than other cities, the city is a major beneficiary of government funding and aid. This, combined with its strategic location, has made Zhengzhou one of the most rapid-growing cities in the country owing to its status as a hub for both trade and transportation. It has essentially surpassed Kaifeng to the east as the core city of the region, spearheading new developments in the spinning and weaving industries, coal mining, and machinery production. Zhengzhou also serves as the base of operations for the RGOC's covert activities in the NCPC, where Nanjing keeps watch on the activities of their erstwhile allies.