On 29 January 2026, a new China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) special policy study (SPS) was kicked off, focusing on advancing high-quality development through circular economy with smart digitalisation. The 2026 SPS is co-led by CCICED Special Advisor Ilka Hirt, Deputy Director-General of the International Policy of the BMUKN, and CCICED Special Advisor Hu Qing, Professor of the Southern University of Science and Technology. The first-year SPS concluded with policy recommendations submitted to the State Council of China in 2025. Building on the outcomes of the 2025 research, the second-year SPS aims to support the development of China’s circular economy regulations under the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The project supports the implementation of the SPS.
