[Objective] The coupling coordination relationship between economic development quality and ecological resilience, and its dynamic evolution form process were explored, and the coordination role and response mechanism of economic development and ecological protection were clarified, so as to provide theoretical reference for efficient resource allocation and urban-rural integrated development in land border areas. [Methods] The coupled coordination model and kernel density estimation were used to measure and depict the coupling relationship and distribution pattern between economic development quality and ecological resilience. Finally, the P-VAR model was employed to elaborate and verify the interactive response relationship between the two systems. [Results] ① From 2000 to 2020, the coupling coordination degree between economic development quality and ecological resilience in border areas ranged from 0.183 4 to 0.272 8, showing an “initial decline followed by an increase” evolutionary characteristic. The coupling coordination degree of each border area gradually evolved from a unimodal shape to a bimodal manifestation. ② The pulse response of ecological resilience to the quality of economic development in the northern, northwestern of China, and Xizang border areas was negatively impacted, while the pulse response of ecological resilience to the quality of economic development in the northeast, northwest, and southwest border areas of China was positively impacted. ③ The contribution rate of the quality of economic development to ecological resilience in border areas is gradually increasing, while the contribution rate of ecological resilience to the quality of economic development was gradually decreasing. The contribution rate of the interactive response between the two systems in the northwest border area was higher than that in other border areas of China. [Conclusion] There are significant regional differences in the coupling, coordination and interaction of economic development quality and ecological resilience in China’s land border areas, so it is beneficial to promote the sustainable use of economic elements and ensure the ecological security of land space in China’s land border areas.