POLICY NEWS

On 15 August 2025, the Central Committee of the CPC and the State Council issued the “Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Urban Development”. The top-level policy outlines a phase of urban development focused on improving existing urban areas and increasing efficiency, rather than large-scale expansion. It sets goals for 2030 and 2035 and applies to all city sizes and townships. Key areas include urban infrastructure, resource efficiency, industrial and digital integration, governance, and environmental considerations. The guideline also highlights the development of urban clusters and city groups to support coordinated regional planning.

China’s power market is on its way to achieve greater unity with two new regulations recently released. On 1 October 2025, the NDRC and NEA officially implemented the “Basic Rules for Power Market Measurement and Settlement”. They provide standardised metering, verification, and settlement procedures for power providers, trading centres, aggregators (VPPs), energy storage operators, and grid companies. Meanwhile, the “Plan for Regularised Power Transactions Across Grid Operating Areas” dismantles barriers between the State Grid and China Southern Power Grid, eliminating administrative interference and further advancing nationwide market-based electricity trading.

On 10 September 2025, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, on behalf of the State Council, delivered a report to the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress on China’s efforts to address climate change and advance its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality (“dual carbon”) goals. The report highlighted progress since the targets were announced in 2020, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges in aligning economic development with emissions reduction.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), together with three ministries, has issued the Notice on Promoting the Scientific Planning and Construction of High-Power Charging Facilities. The policy sets a target of over 100,000 high-power charging units nationwide by 2027 and introduces clear requirements for open access, technology innovation, and safety standards. This marks a major step toward supporting the rapid electrification of commercial vehicles and advancing the country’s low-carbon transition.

On 18 July 2025, the General Offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council released the “Provisional Regulations on the Ecological and Environmental Protection Accountability System for Local Party and Government Leaders”. The move aims to integrate green, low-carbon transition and environmental protection into all aspects of governance and strengthen enforcement of “ecological civilisation”1 policies.

Starting 1 September 2025, China will include carbon emission evaluations in energy conservation reviews for new fixed-asset investment projects. Announced by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the policy shifts focus from energy use to carbon emissions, including total emissions and carbon intensity. High-energy industries will face stricter review standards. Evaluations will now consider energy efficiency, carbon impact, alignment with climate goals, and use of low-carbon technologies. Projects that fail reviews cannot begin construction or operation. The NDRC says the new rules aim to curb coal use, improve carbon management, and support China’s carbon peaking and neutrality targets.

China has released a new national plan outlining its strategy to phase down ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases between 2025 and 2030. Jointly issued by several key government bodies, the plan describes China’s approach to fulfil its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. It includes targeted reduction schedules for controlled substances such as HCFCs and HFCs, establishes a quota-based management system, and outlines efforts to protect the ozone layer, mitigate climate change, and promote green, low-carbon development across industries, particularly the fluorochemical sector.

China has released its “2025 Progress Report on Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Management”, outlining the role of PCF for its national decarbonisation strategy. The report details a growing framework spanning standards, databases, certification, and disclosure. It states that over 100 PCF standards have been issued, pilots are underway in 25 provinces, and a national GHG emission factor database is live. Financial institutions, industry, and digital platforms are increasingly aligning with PCF tools to green supply chains and improve climate transparency. As global carbon rules tighten, China is positioning PCF not just for domestic reform but also as a lever for international climate competitiveness.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China has released the “2024 China Progress Report on Climate Change Adaptation”, providing an overview of the measures taken to strengthen resilience in the face of growing climate risks. According to the report, China has taken steps in enhancing climate monitoring and early warning, improving natural ecosystems, building socio-economic resilience, and deepening international cooperation. It states the country’s intention to integrate climate adaptation into its national governance and to contribute to global climate solutions.