China’s Ecological Civilization: Myth or Reality?

Author: Vitaliy Senotrusov – Master’s degree student, Faculty of World Economic and International Affairs HSE University (Moscow)

Over the past few decades, environmental degradation has become one of the most pressing issues confronting the People's Republic of China, coinciding with its rapid economic expansion and industrial development. In response to this, the notion of «ecological civilization» (生态文明), which has gained prominence under Xi Jinping's leadership, has evolved into a central ideological and policy framework for China's environmental management. Officially presented as a means to achieve a balanced coexistence between human society and the natural world, ecological civilization has been integrated into the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ideological rhetoric and state policy apparatus. This essay posits that Xi Jinping's concept of ecological civilization is a multifaceted model: it has delivered tangible environmental benefits and enhanced national-level environmental governance, but it is also limited by structural constraints related to political motivations, local implementation, and developmental priorities.

Source: Freepik

The concept of ecological civilization did not emerge with Xi Jinping, but its roots can be traced back to academic discussions in China during the late 1980s. Gradually, this idea began to permeate Party discourse, particularly during the Hu Jintao administration. However, it was under Xi’s leadership that the concept gained significant prominence, achieving constitutional recognition in 2018. This elevated status made it an integral part of «Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era»[1]. Ecologically, the concept is grounded in Marxist perspectives on the human-nature relationship. It also selectively incorporates traditional Chinese philosophical principles, such as harmony (和谐). Additionally, it aligns with the CCP’s overarching narrative of modernization without embracing Western-style liberalization[2].

From a policy standpoint, ecological civilization has been realized through various institutional transformations. These encompass the reinforcement of environmental legislation, the creation of a unified Ministry of Ecology and Environment, more stringent pollution reduction goals, and the integration of environmental metrics into performance assessments for officials. Prominent initiatives aimed at combating air, water, and soil contamination, alongside China's substantial investments in renewable energy and green technology, illustrate the tangible aspects of this framework. Political-ideological analysis reveals that ecological civilization serves not only as an environmental policy strategy but also as a narrative that bolsters legitimacy by linking environmental safeguards with national revival and Party leadership.

Assessing the impacts of ecological civilization reveals significant accomplishments. China has notably reduced specific types of pollution, particularly urban air quality, and has emerged as a global frontrunner in renewable energy capacity[3]. Consolidating environmental authority has enhanced regulatory consistency, while state-led initiatives have shown the government's ability to mobilize swiftly.

Nonetheless, substantial structural obstacles remain. Although environmental objectives have been formally incorporated into governance frameworks, local authorities frequently encounter conflicting motivations, as economic expansion and social stability continue to be primary benchmarks for political advancement[4]. As a consequence, environmental regulations are inconsistently applied, particularly in less developed areas. Furthermore, the campaign-oriented nature of ecological civilization governance may prioritize short-term compliance over enduring institutional transformation. The lack of substantive public involvement and independent scrutiny further impedes accountability, thereby curtailing the breadth and durability of environmental reforms.

In a comparative analysis, China's environmental governance model contrasts with liberal systems that place greater emphasis on legal pluralism, civil society engagement, and market-driven solutions. China's centralized approach allows for swift policy execution but simultaneously centralizes decision-making authority and curtails adaptive capabilities at the local level. Globally, the concept of ecological civilization has become integral to China's international dialogue, notably in climate negotiations and the advancement of «green» components within the Belt and Road Initiative. However, the veracity of this narrative is questioned by the environmental consequences felt abroad and by discrepancies between domestic discourse and foreign practices.

Thus, Xi Jinping's vision of ecological civilization represents a multifaceted approach that seeks to harmonize genuine environmental progress with enduring structural obstacles. This model has fortified China's environmental governance framework and has led to observable enhancements, notably through centralized control and ideological mobilization. However, its efficacy is constrained by local implementation hurdles, conflicting political incentives, and the absence of participatory processes. As both a governance strategy and a legitimacy initiative, ecological civilization embodies the strengths and contradictions inherent in China's current political landscape. The prospects for its future success hinge less on ideological grandeur and more on institutional coherence, local transparency, and the integration of environmental goals with long-standing development objectives.

[1] PRC Constitution 2018. — Text: electronic // npcobserver.com: [site]. — URL: https://npcobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PRC-Constitution-2018.pdf (date accessed: 08.02.2026).

[2] China's Environmental Governance and Ecological Civilization. — Text: electronic // Springer Nature Link: [site]. — URL: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-47429-7 (date accessed: 08.02.2026).

[3] Implementation and Participation in China's Local Environmental Politics: Challenges and Innovations. — Text: electronic // tandfonline.com: [site]. — URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1523908X.2013.763629 (date of access: 08.02.2026).

[4] Eaton Authoritarian Environmentalism Undermined Local and / Eaton. — Text: electronic // Semantic Scholar: [site]. — URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Authoritarian-Environmentalism-Undermined-Local-and-Eaton-Kost... (date accessed: 08.02.2026).

China - Systematic Country Diagnostic : towards a more inclusive and sustainable development (Vol. 1 of 2) (Chinese). Washington, DC. World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/190251521729552166