ABSTRACT
Environmental policy in China is far different than in Western democracies. Its Communist regime since 1949, its isolation from the West, and its huge population make it unique. Sadly, it is infamous for severe air and water pollution. Its ambitious Three Gorges Dam and South-North water diversion have generated criticism from Europe and America. Its One Child Policy has been condemned. Yet China has not been totally isolated. It has had its own Environmental Decade passing laws to protect the air and water. Three centuries ago Europe eagerly copied its gardens. And, of course, it has many similarities to the communist Soviet Union.
