Opinion China’s green ambition: Forest expansion, energy efficiency, and carbon goals
Xi Jinping’s “Beautiful China Initiative” is notable for its emphasis on improving living standards
Like in India, China’s Five-Year Plans form the backbone of its economic and governance policies and serve as a roadmap for the country’s strategic future (Source: File) Written by Bhavna Singh
China held the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing in October. The closed-door meeting formulated the Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030. Known as the “Fourth Plenum”, the session deliberated on and adopted recommendations from the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, presenting a blueprint for the future in which Xi Jinping set the goal of “achieving socialist modernisation by 2035”.
The Plenum acknowledged the work of the Political Bureau, noting that it had implemented the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee under the 14th Five-Year Plan. Prioritising scientific and technological self-reliance and strengthening national security, Xi Jinping endorsed policy continuity. The Plenum also praised Chinese companies such as Huawei, Alibaba, Xiaomi, and BYD for not only building successful global brands but also establishing integrated innovation systems that combine scientific research with practical application.
Like in India, China’s Five-Year Plans form the backbone of its economic and governance policies and serve as a roadmap for the country’s strategic future. The 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on fulfilling Xi Jinping’s goal of doubling the size of the economy between 2020 and 2035. Under this plan, China will continue pursuing high-quality development and strengthening international cooperation to achieve a more prosperous, shared future. Key priorities include innovation-driven growth, low-carbon development, urban-rural integration, social inclusion, and addressing population ageing.
Specifically, the 15th Five-Year Plan aims “to build a modern industrial system” amid the “involution” (neijuan) policy, which seeks to reduce excess capacity in existing industries. Unlike the previous plenum, which concentrated on the services sector, the current plan focuses on leading-edge technological industries — from clean energy to AI to semiconductors — to advance the goals of the “China Dream”. For the first time, the space sector was designated a top priority, with a pledge to make China a leading spacefaring nation over the next five years. The plan also calls for “huge development” of high-tech industries, including nuclear fusion. Additionally, leadership reiterated its commitment to fostering a “birth-friendly society” and investing in elderly care, child care, and education, tapping into the “silver economy” of the ageing population.
“Beautiful China, Prosperous China”
Xi Jinping’s “Beautiful China Initiative” is notable for its emphasis on improving living standards. First introduced in 2012, emphasising ecological protection, sustainable resource use, and harmonious coexistence with nature, it was fully adopted by 2017. The initiative aims to accelerate the transition to green development and enhance an ecosystem of stability and sustainability. On January 11, 2024, the government issued official guidelines to promote the development of a “Beautiful China”, giving it a central role in national strengthening and the pursuit of “national rejuvenation”. Key goals include: A continuous reduction in major pollutants while improving ecological quality by 2027; reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and laying the groundwork for carbon neutrality by 2060; developing green production methods by 2035; and achieving comprehensive green development and lifestyles, deep decarbonisation in key sectors, and a healthy, aesthetically pleasing ecological environment. These objectives were reaffirmed during the Fourth Plenum.
A gradual march over decades
China’s ecological narrative has developed gradually and persistently. The leadership has sought to establish a multi-stakeholder system to create advanced pilot zones for “Beautiful China,” develop beautiful cities and villages, and encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly strategies through recognition and preferential treatment. Local bureaucracies, village leaders, and planners are involved in implementing these initiatives, which not only emphasise green development but also accelerate the urbanisation of rural areas.
The concept also draws on the traditional Chinese idea of the “unity of Heaven and humanity” which values environmental aesthetics. Positive response from citizens has reinforced government efforts to provide a “carbon-free” lifestyle. Greening efforts are reflected in everyday choices, including the adoption of energy-efficient vehicles and the phasing out of old diesel locomotives.
The government has also set targets for global-leading efficiency in energy and water use, aiming to increase forest coverage to 26 per cent (compared with India’s 25.17 per cent) and raise soil and water conservation rates to 75 per cent, promoting sustainable natural cycles. These measures align with China’s localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting environmental balance and indigenous ways of life.
The writer is visiting fellow, Chintan Research Foundation
Share
