English version of Ecological and Environmental Code now available online

The bilingual Ecological and Environmental Code has been published, with its English version now available online, according to an announcement by an official from China's top legislative body on Friday.

The English edition of the code, which is China's second law titled as a "code" and has been in effect since Aug 15, is now accessible to the public on the official website of the National People's Congress.

"This initiative provides the international community with a new avenue to understand China's legal framework and efforts in ecological civilization and environmental protection," Huang Haihua, spokesman for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said.

During a news conference, Huang, holding the bilingual code, emphasized that it reflects China's commitment to prioritizing environmental conservation and promoting sustainable development through the rule of law.

"It also signifies our intent to actively engage in global environmental governance and to collaborate with other nations to enhance the world's beauty," he added.

This is not the first time the commission has translated Chinese law into other languages.

"Since 1987, we have published 35 annual volumes of English-language compilations of Chinese laws, along with separate English translations of key legislation, including the Constitution, the Civil Code, the Criminal Law, and the Foreign Investment Law," Huang said. "We have also released bilingual editions of the Constitution in Chinese-Russian and Chinese-French."

Furthermore, since the 14th NPC began its term in 2023, the commission has published translations of 61 legislative items and decisions on the NPC's website, facilitating international exchanges and supporting high-level opening-up, he added.