On 26 May 2021, the first plenary meeting of the Carbon Peaking and Neutrality Leading Group was held in Beijing. The meeting was chaired by Vice Premier HAN Zheng. During the meeting, it was emphasized that key provinces, sectors, and companies should set peaking targets and plans as well as strengthen international communication and cooperation. The government should support the research, development, and promotion of green and low-carbon technologies, telling China’s story well through case studies, and promote ecological civilization. In addition to HAN Zheng, participants included Vice Premier LIU He, State Councilor WANG Yong, Minister for Foreign Affairs WANG Yi, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) HE Lifeng, and ministers from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and various other ministries. On 28 May 2021, NDRC Chairman HE Lifeng presided over the first meeting of the ‘Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutral Leading Group Office’, which called for the implementation of important instructions from Premier LI Keqiang and Vice-Premier HAN Zheng and made preparations for upcoming work.
State Council approves demonstration projects for sustainable development
In January 2025, China’s State Council approved the Implementation Opinions on Building Pioneer Demonstrations for a Beautiful China, setting the stage for integrating high-quality development with ecological protection. Focusing on green and low-carbon growth, biodiversity conservation, and ecological governance, the plan targets key regions like the Yangtze River Delta, Greater Bay Area, and Yellow River Basin. By 2027, these pilot projects will serve as national benchmarks under the Beautiful China Initiative. Closely aligned with the Urban-Act Project, this initiative accelerates climate-resilient urban planning and sustainable development.