Chinese lawmakers adopted the Ecological and Environmental Code at this year's plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) on March 12, after deliberations. This important legislation, dedicated to supporting the mission of building a beautiful China, is the country's second code after the Civil Code, which was adopted in 2020. Integrating more than 30 related laws and regulations, the Ecological and Environmental Code is of great significance to ecological progress, the rule of law and green development.

From the Environmental Protection Law first adopted in 1989 to a series of laws and regulations introduced in the early 21st century, China has brought ecological and environmental protection onto the track of law-based governance. In particular, since 2012, the Chinese Government, regarding ecological progress as fundamental to the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, has carried out a series of pioneering initiatives under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. Concepts such as "green is gold," "building a beautiful China" and "low-carbon development" have been deeply integrated into the country's development philosophy. The public now has higher expectations for the quality of the eco-environment and hopes to protect it with the strictest systems and the most rigorous laws. This is the primary reason for introducing the Ecological and Environmental Code, work on which began in 2023. Its adoption at this year's NPC session is another milestone in China's ecological protection efforts.

The code, comprising more than 1,240 articles in five chapters, translates "harmony between humans and nature" into binding principles. It provides a legal guarantee for blue skies, clear waters, clean soil and biodiversity as well as carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. It also offers unified rules of conduct for government agencies, businesses and the public, clarifies rights and responsibilities, reduces compliance costs, strengthens legal accountability and makes environmental protection an unbreakable red line.

Green and sustainable development is a prerequisite for the prosperity and progress of humanity. As the world's largest developing nation, China has achieved success in reconciling rapid industrialization with environmental preservation. The Ecological and Environmental Code contributes Chinese solutions to global ecological governance. It provides forward-looking and open rules for the international community to address climate change and emerging environmental issues and jointly safeguard our beautiful planet.