China has taken a significant step forward in the legislative process for its draft environmental code. On Friday, two sections of the draft were submitted to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislative body, for further review. This marks a new phase in the deliberation process, which aims to consolidate and streamline environmental regulations.
The draft code, which comprises five parts in total, has been under development for some time. The remaining three sections were previously submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for a second reading in September 2025. The current review focuses on refining the legislative framework to address pressing environmental challenges and align with China’s broader sustainability goals.
This legislative effort underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its environmental governance and addressing issues such as pollution, climate change, and resource management. The draft code is expected to provide a comprehensive legal foundation for environmental protection, promoting sustainable development and ecological conservation.
The ongoing deliberations reflect the NPC’s rigorous approach to legislation, ensuring that the final code is both effective and enforceable. As China continues to prioritize environmental issues, this draft code represents a critical milestone in the nation’s efforts to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.