Economic growth and sustainable development in China

Economic growth may protect the environment in the long run, but causes environmental degradation in the economic take-off stage. Two types of measures need to be introduced in the short run to minimise environmental degradation and realise sustainable development: economic instrument and government, regulation. China has endeavoured to introduce and implement environmental legislation and management with some success. However, the introduction of economic instruments can only be effective in the context of a perfect market system and legal framework. Although China's market-oriented reforms have made good progress, there are as yet many imperfections.