ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses trends in environmental policymaking in China that may have been important for the Three Gorges project environmental policy-making. China's environmental problems are serious, despite the country's efforts to stop the environmental degradation. The environmental problems in China are diversified, and differ according to regions. A large environmental apparatus has been developed in China, and environmental laws and regulations are frequently issued. Laws and regulations are important measures in the environmental protection work in China. The environmental laws and administrative regulations that are being passed also reflect the consciousness on the part of Chinese authorities with regard to the environmental situation in the country. The Law on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution that was revised in 1996 focuses on inland waters such as the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and canals. The chapter focuses on rivers, as this is related to the Three Gorges dam and the Yangtze River.
