Xinhua think tank report highlights global significance of China's ecological code

BEIJING -- A national high-level think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency released a report on China's Ecological and Environmental Code on Saturday, as the landmark legislation took effect the same day.

Running to about 19,000 Chinese characters, the report systematically reviews the code's historical context and major significance, explains its legislative innovations and distinctive Chinese features, and highlights its global value and contributions.

Describing it as the world's first code named specifically for the ecological environment, the report says the legislation is a landmark achievement reflecting the deep integration and mutual reinforcement of efforts to build an ecological civilization and comprehensively advance law-based governance in the new era. It also marks a new stage in the codification of China's ecological and environmental law.

The code enshrines in law China's successful practices, institutional innovations and governance experience in building an ecological civilization, providing a solid legal foundation for promoting harmony between humanity and nature and ensuring the sustainable development of the Chinese nation.

The report describes the code's promulgation and implementation as another milestone in advancing Chinese modernization under the rule of law, saying it will help take China's governance to a higher level.

It also says the code offers Chinese wisdom in addressing concerns shared by all humanity and contributes Chinese solutions to global environmental governance and efforts to jointly build a clean and beautiful world.