China in transition towards a circular economy: from policy to practice
Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law
ISSN: 2514-9407
Article publication date: 11 September 2020
Issue publication date: 22 September 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine China's approach to circular economy (CE) and investigate how the foreign concept of CE has been turned into a national strategy for implementation in production, circulation and consumption. This study aims to highlight the Chinese characteristics in the implementation of CE from central to local levels including the “trial and test” by pilot schemes and the role of local governments in CE transformation of industrial parks and in building CE cities. Based on what has been achieved, this paper aims to identify the gaps to be filled in the next stage of CE implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper engages in critical analysis of state policies, plans, laws and regulations and case studies of Suzhou New District and Shanghai city in the building CE-oriented industrial park and CE city, respectively.
Findings
China has taken a top-down approach to CE characterised by strong government involvement in both policy and plan making and implementation at local levels. The government’s financial investment and administrative assistance proved to be crucial in the early stage of CE implementation to close the loop at industrial parks and in cities. In comparison, participation by enterprises and individuals is still weak and limited, which should be the focus of the next stage of CE implementation.
Originality/value
There is an absence of legal literature that studies circular economy in China. This paper fills the gap by examining the development of CE law and policy as well as CE implementation at local levels from industrial parks to cities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This article is based on a paper presented at the Conference on Rethinking Property Approaches in Resources for the Circular Economy hosted by Coventry University in June 2019. The author is most grateful to Dr Katrien Steenmans for inviting him to participate in the conference and for her assistance and support in editing the paper for publication. He also appreciate all the comments and questions of the conference participants and anonymous referees that have helped him in writing this article.
Citation
Zhao, Y. (2020), "China in transition towards a circular economy: from policy to practice", Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 187-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPPEL-03-2020-0014
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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