China’s strategy toward water management has evolved dramatically, as the country’s transition to an industrialized nation saw dramatic changes in its water usage. China has experienced dramatic changes in the planning and management of its water resources. On water basin management, there is a large overlap in responsibilities between government units within and across scales. There lacks an overarching legal document to clarify water uses and coordinate various interests and this has resulted in conflicts that arise in the management of transboundary rivers. The central authorities have begun to review their fundamental approach to accessing and exploiting water resources. This includes dramatic reforms that have touched upon the combined policy areas of water planning and resource management.