China to strengthen environmental rights protection

China plans to strengthen environmental rights protection in the next five years, according to a document released on Thursday by the State Council Information Office.

The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2026-2030), released at the opening of the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, outlines China's work to protect human rights in the next five years, including the environmental rights protection.

It stresses the right to improving modern eco-environmental governance systems by such means as applying the ecological and environmental code, strengthening eco-environmental information disclosure and public participation, and promoting simple, moderate, green, low-carbon and healthy lifestyles and consumer habits.

The report reiterates advancing the critical battle against pollution, including air, water resources, aquatic environments, aquatic ecosystems, soil and solid waste, noise and marine pollution.

It pledges to increase the diversity, stability and sustainability of ecosystems through efforts including strictly enforcing red lines for ecological conservation.

It affirms the importance of tackling climate change, reasserting the country's pledge to peak carbon emissions in 2030 as scheduled.

China will comprehensively guide healthy development of emerging human rights in the next five years, according to a report released on Thursday by the State Council Information Office.

It stresses creating a better digital and intelligent life, such as fully leveraging the role of digital and intelligent technologies and data as a factor of production in enriching people's lives and improving their wellbeing.

It emphasizes promoting corporate fulfillment of human rights responsibilities, for instance, improving the corporate social responsibility evaluation system in government procurement and providing necessary training and support for relevant enterprises.