[ Qualifier ]

Green

In Chinese Communist Party discourse, “green” (绿色) functions both as a reference to environmental policies and as a rhetorical device signaling political alignment with Party priorities. In the domestic political context, the qualifier can serve as a standard of political evaluation broadly signaling sustainability in policy-making–without, however, measurable criteria, such as the “concept of green governance” (绿色执政理念). In foreign policy, the qualifier can function to support claims. One example is that sustainability is a core value of Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, which has supported projects with questionable environmental impacts. Another is the argument that Western tariffs on Chinese renewable energy products constitute “green protectionism” that undermines genuine environmental protection.

Key Examples

“The Communist Party’s concept of green governance philosophy (绿色执政理念) serves as a litmus test for officials’ governing capabilities and political alignment, aiming to correct deviations in their performance perspectives.” — China News Service, July 5, 2018.
“Green development is the background color of high-quality development, and new quality productive forces are inherently green productive forces.” — Xi Jinping, January 31, 2024, at the 11th collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee.
“The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is not only a development-oriented Belt and Road, but also a green Belt and Road. China always adheres to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and the concepts of openness, green development, and integrity.” — Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, February 19, 2021.