China will seek to lead in global environmental norms

Significance

It was enshrined in China’s Constitution in 2018. The concept has helped reshape discussion of environmental protection in China; Beijing is now deploying it in international fora too.

Impacts

• Foreign governments and environmental NGOs will not welcome ‘ecological civilisation’ uncritically.
• Beijing’s espoused commitment to environmental principles will be used to encourage it to commit to ‘greening’ the Belt and Road.
• China’s construction of coal-fired power stations overseas will come in for particular attention.