ABSTRACT
As China faces growing pollution problems and political pressure to deal more effectively with environmental damage, the political leadership is turning its attention to how it can improve the economy's environmental performance. China could be classified as a system with a type of "variegated capitalism," or capitalism with Chinese characteristics, including a relatively stronger state than other cases of this type. The chapter takes up this notion by labeling China a state-led growth regime that is increasingly incorporating environmental considerations into its planning. In the logic of a state-led growth regime, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) drafts five-year economic development plans that contain significant industrial policy components. NDRC, China's powerful economic planning body, has the lead responsibility for climate change. The NDRC linked China's national climate strategy to its energy resource constraints. Once energy self-sufficient, China must now import coal, oil, and natural gas to meet domestic demand.
