China and the global environment - Asialink

CHINA AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTThe environmental historian Bao Maohong has argued that Chinais by no means destined to repeat the failures of its past history, noris it doomed to replicate the environmental excesses of the Westernindustrial experience. Instead, in his view, the potential exists for a‘green’ rise that reconnects with the origins of Chinese civilisation:Green rise is undoubtedly a peaceful rise, it will not only bea symbol of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,but it will also explore a new and unique developmentpath, which will be an exemplary role model for the wholeworld to follow. China’s rise is definitely not a threat tothe world. On the contrary, it gives new inspiration to theentire world to trade into a higher level of civilisation. 79One can argue about the likelihood of this vision becoming a realityin practice. And, indeed, the chapters that follow will illuminate thecontemporary challenges involved in seeking a more sustainable path todevelopment. Regardless of what transpires in practice, it is becomingincreasingly clear that China’s response to the build-up of environmentalpressures will, for better or worse, define the nature and influence of itsrising power in the early 21 st century.Chapter 2Governing from above in the new centuryIn the contemporary era, the role of the Chinese state in governing theenvironment is more fragmented, yet remains pivotal on account of itspowerful influence over development planning. China’s environmentalcrisis is first and foremost perceived by the leadership as a developmentproblem that requires fixing from above with support from the marketand citizens from below. A revival of traditional statist-Confucianvalues is further reinforcing a hierarchical approach that placesharmony and order at the centre of the agenda. No longer seen as feudaland reactionary, selected elements of traditional culture and politicalthinking have now become an essential component of the politicaldiscourse on China’s environmental future. 80This chapter continues the theme of environmental statecraftfrom a contemporary perspective. It begins with a discussion of theidea of ecological civilisation (shengtai wenming) that frames thecurrent government response towards the environment. Reminiscentof traditional Chinese conceptions of nature, this new culturalphilosophy provides a future vision for both domestic and foreignpolicy. Attention then turns to more practical concerns relating tothe major shifts in government policy-making that have occurredduring the reform era in response to a more fluid economic andsocial environment. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the30 31