China's legislative body is set to deliberate three pivotal draft laws aimed at strengthening environmental governance, ethnic unity, and national development planning. The drafts will be reviewed during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), following a decision by the NPC Standing Committee on December 27, 2025.
The environmental code, described as a cornerstone of the Beautiful China Initiative, marks China's second comprehensive statutory code after the landmark Civil Code adopted in 2020. Initiated in 2023, the code consolidates existing environmental regulations to systematically address ecological challenges and promote sustainable development.
Simultaneously, the draft law on ethnic unity and progress codifies decades of policy experience, emphasizing the cultivation of a "strong sense of community for the Chinese nation." The legislation outlines responsibilities for local governments and institutions to foster social cohesion while preserving cultural diversity.
A third draft law establishes a legal framework for national development planning, standardizing processes for creating and implementing five-year plans and long-term strategies. This move aims to enhance policy continuity and accountability as China navigates complex economic transitions.
Analysts note these legislative efforts align with broader goals to modernize governance while addressing pressing challenges like climate change and regional development disparities. The NPC Standing Committee concluded its review this week, paving the way for full congressional debate in early 2026.
