China will seek to lead in global environmental norms
Monday, June 28, 2021
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.